Pujara backs Bumrah as a long-term India captain

Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Jasprit Bumrah as a viable long-term captaincy option for India after the fast bowler led the team to a resounding 295-run win in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Perth.

“He is (a viable long-term captaincy option) with any doubt,” Pujara told ESPNCricinfo.

“The way he has showed that in difficult circumstances when we had a tough series at home and when you are playing a first Test match in Australia and to put up a show like that. I think he has the capability of leading the team and he’s a team man. You look at him he never only talks about himself, he talks about the team, the other players,” he said. 

Bumrah was the stand-in captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence who stayed back home to be with his family on the occasion of his second child’s birth. Bumrah led from the front, picking 5/30 and 3/42 in the match and was adjudged the Player of the Match. 

Bumrah had led India before, in the fifth Test against England in 2022, again standing in for Rohit. However, it was a glum captaincy debut for the seamer as England won by seven wickets and levelled the series 2-2. Pujara was a part of India’s XI in that Test. 

This time, though, Bumrah didn’t leave any stone unturned as he created the pressure with the ball, which set the tone for the visitors, picking 20 wickets at Perth’s Optus Stadium. 

Sunil Gavaskar, the former India cricketer, had earlier said that if Rohit is unable to start the series, then Bumrah should be announced as the captain. Gavaskar’s statement sparked a debate, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) persisted with Rohit, who has now joined the squad. 

“There are times when players don’t need advice and he accepts it, he says that.. if there is an experienced player he will keep quiet. That is the sign of a good captain. He is very down to earth, very friendly with players in the dressing room and eager to help and he is good person to chat with. Even outside of cricket, he has a humble personality,” Pujara added further. 

India lead 1-0 in this five-match series against Australia. The second Test will be a day-night fixture in Adelaide and will begin on Friday (December 6).

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