‘Tactically better’ Jasprit Bumrah’s bold captain’s remark on replacing Rohit Sharma

India stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah on Thursday said his team is not carrying any baggage following an unprecedented 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand as it embarks on a tough Test series against fierce rivals Australia. Bumrah replaced Rohit Sharma as team captain in the first match of the series after the latter was forced to miss the match due to the birth of his baby boy. While bowlers don’t often take on leadership roles, Bumrah believes they are “tactically better” than batters and hence should be given leadership responsibilities more often.

“It’s an honor. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different. And I have my own way. It’s a privilege. I don’t take it as a position. I like to take responsibility. I spoke to Rohit earlier, but after coming here has given me a little clarity about the leadership of the team,” Bumrah said at a press conference ahead of the start of the Perth Test.

“I have always advocated for pacers to be captains. They are tactically better. Pat did a phenomenal job. There have also been many models in the past. Kapil Dev and many other captains in the past. I hope this is the start of a new tradition,” said the player, who was given the role of captain for the match.

The five-match Test series starts here on Friday.

“When you win, you start from scratch, but when you lose, you also start from scratch. We do not carry any luggage from India. Yes, we have lessons from the New Zealand series, but these were different conditions and our results here have been different,” said Bumrah, who is leading the first Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave.

Bumrah also revealed that the team has finalized its playing XI, although he will reveal it only at the toss.

“We have decided our playing XI and you will know this tomorrow morning before the match starts,” the captain said.

With PTI inputs