It Wouldn't Be Surprising If Bumrah Assumes Test Captaincy Soon: Gavaskar

New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) - Renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar expressed that he would not be astonished if fast-bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah is appointed as the Test captain of the team in the near future, noting that he doesn't exert much pressure on players while leading the squad.

During India’s recent 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah captained the team in two matches, including a significant 295-run opening game in Perth. “He is likely to be the next captain because he leads by example. He possesses a strong leadership presence, yet he is not someone who imposes pressure on others. There are captains who burden players with expectations,” remarked Gavaskar.

“Bumrah expects his teammates to fulfill their roles, understanding why they are part of the national team, without creating undue pressure. His communication with the fast bowlers has been exceptional, whether standing at mid-off or mid-on, always providing guidance. I believe he has been outstanding, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes on the captaincy very soon,” Gavaskar mentioned in an interview on Channel Seven.

On performance, Bumrah excelled during India’s tour, claiming 32 wickets across five matches at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.37, earning the Player of the Series award. Gavaskar noted that India's situation in Sydney could have been different had Bumrah been able to bowl in the final innings.

Bumrah was unable to bowl while defending 162 runs against Australia due to a back spasm. “From the other end, batting seemed somewhat easier, and I believe India faced challenges due to the absence of a first-change bowler like Australia had with Pat Cummins and Scott Boland coming in to bowl.”

“Bumrah was essentially fighting a solitary battle. Had he been available to bowl even a few overs in that last innings in Sydney, it could have changed the match's outcome,” Gavaskar added.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting highlighted a conversation with Steve Smith, who shared insights on what makes Bumrah a challenging bowler in Test matches. “I had the opportunity to discuss with some Australian players about what makes Bumrah difficult to face. I have been observing Bumrah for a long time; I even coached him in the IPL when he first emerged at 17,” said Ponting.

“What stood out was that Smith, who is adept at reading bowlers, finds it challenging to pick up Bumrah's visual cues. He mentioned that it could take four to six balls to get used to him, but by then, you might already be out. If you’re not prepared on a difficult surface against Bumrah with a new red kookaburra, your innings can end abruptly.”

Ponting also backed the idea of Bumrah stepping into the role of India’s next Test captain, drawing parallels with how Pat Cummins has successfully led the Australian team in both Test and ODI formats.

“Reflecting back a couple of years, there were doubts regarding Cummins, yet he has proven to be the ideal candidate for the position, and his contributions are cherished in Australian cricket. Since taking charge, he has hardly made a mistake,” Ponting noted.

“The achievements of his team under his leadership alongside Andrew McDonald are undeniable. They have secured World Cup victories, World Test Championship triumphs, and now possess every bilateral trophy in international cricket, marking a period of great success for Australia,” he concluded.