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Jasprit Bumrah vice captain India
Bumrah Named India Vice-Captain for NZ Test Series, Hinting at Leadership in Australia
India’s cricket team has taken a significant step by appointing Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain for the upcoming three-match home Test series against New Zealand. This move strongly hints at Bumrah’s potential future leadership role during India’s tour of Australia. With regular captain Rohit Sharma potentially missing one of the early games in the Australia series, Bumrah’s promotion signals a growing trust in his leadership abilities.
Bumrah’s Vice-Captaincy Appointment
The decision to name Jasprit Bumrah as the vice-captain for the New Zealand series has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. The Test series against New Zealand begins on November 16 in Bengaluru, followed by matches in Pune and Mumbai. Given Rohit Sharma’s likely absence from one of the first two Tests against Australia due to personal reasons, Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain is seen as a strategic move, preparing him for a leadership role in the Australia series starting in late November.
Bumrah has already demonstrated his leadership skills on previous occasions. He captained India during the rescheduled fifth Test match against England in 2022 and led the team in the away T20I series against Ireland in 2023. His ability to manage pressure in red-ball cricket has made him a reliable candidate for higher responsibilities.
Leadership Potential for Australia Tour
With India preparing for the challenging five-match Test series in Australia, which begins on November 22, Bumrah’s elevation as vice-captain becomes even more significant. Rohit Sharma is likely to miss either the first or second match, opening the door for Bumrah to take charge. The possibility of his temporary captaincy in one of the matches has further fueled speculation about his readiness for leadership in the longer format of the game.
India’s Test series in Australia will begin in Perth, followed by the second match in Adelaide. If Rohit Sharma misses one of these matches, Bumrah will have the chance to lead the side, building on his previous experience as a captain and proving his mettle under challenging conditions.
Bumrah’s Stellar Form
Since returning from injury in August 2023, Jasprit Bumrah has been in exceptional form. His performances in red-ball cricket have been nothing short of spectacular, with the pacer picking up 42 wickets from eight Tests at an impressive average of 14.69. Recently, Bumrah reclaimed the top spot in the ICC bowlers’ rankings, a testament to his consistent and lethal bowling, particularly during India’s recent series against Bangladesh.
Bumrah has played 38 Tests in his career, amassing 170 wickets at an average of 20.18, including 10 five-wicket hauls. His pace, accuracy, and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs make him an asset for India in all formats, but his influence in Test cricket has been particularly significant.
India’s Squad for the NZ Series
The Indian cricket team has retained most of the players from their victorious series against Bangladesh for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Pacer Mohammed Shami, still recovering from ankle surgery, has not been included, and his return to international cricket remains uncertain. Yash Dayal, who was part of the Bangladesh series, also misses out after sustaining a shoulder injury during a Ranji Trophy match.
The 15-member squad for the New Zealand series includes both experienced players and promising youngsters. All-rounder Harshit Rana, middle-order batsman Nitish Kumar Reddy, pacers Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna have been named as travelling reserves. Nitish and Mayank have impressed during the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh and are being groomed as part of India’s long-term plans.
Future Prospects
Bumrah’s promotion to vice-captain signals India’s intent to explore leadership options beyond traditional choices. With Bumrah’s growing reputation as a tactician and leader, his appointment could pave the way for him to take on more responsibility in the future. As India prepares for the demanding series in Australia, Bumrah’s leadership role will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
India’s Squad for New Zealand Test Series
The Indian squad for the New Zealand series includes:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
As the series draws near, Bumrah’s role as vice-captain not only strengthens India’s bowling attack but also enhances their leadership structure, providing options in the absence of key players.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain for the New Zealand series is a strong indication of his evolving role in the Indian cricket team. With his leadership qualities and outstanding form, Bumrah is likely to play a crucial role in India’s upcoming tours, especially the highly anticipated Australia series. This move reflects India’s forward-thinking approach to leadership, ensuring the team remains competitive in all conditions.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on current developments in Indian cricket as of the latest announcements.
