'Imran Khan Showed A Pacer Can Be A Shrewd Captain': Ex-Cricketer Compares Bumrah With PAK Legend
The former Indian pacer believes Bumrah possesses all the qualities to become the first-choice Test captain for India in future.
Lakshmipathy Balaji has backed Jasprit Bumrah, who is leading India in the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Bumrah has taken over the charge in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The veteran opener, who has stayed back in India for the birth of his second child, will likely rejoin the team ahead of the second Test in Adelaide.
With Bumrah serving a big responsibility at the Optus Stadium, Balaji has shown faith in his leadership abilities. The former Indian pacer believes Bumrah possesses all the qualities to become the first-choice Test captain for India in the future. Balaji, however, doesn’t seek immediate results from Bumrah.
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“Every cricketer would love to go to Australia. And when you have the opportunity to lead and be the primary bowler, it will only propel Jasprit higher in his career. However, there shouldn’t be too many expectations from him," Balaji said during an interaction with India Today.
“He is a young captain, and that needs to be understood. It’s a great opportunity not only for him but for the entire team. We all know Australians play their cricket hard, and at times, there will be a flared-up environment," he added.
In a bid to clear his stance, Balaji gave the example of Imran Khan, who spearheaded Pakistan’s pace attack for nearly a decade besides serving as the captain intermittently. Under his leadership, the Asian side clinched their first and only World Cup title in 1992. Balaji feels Bumrah is also capable of handling bowling duties and captaincy at the same time.
“I think a fast bowler can meet the demands of leading in Test cricket. Imran Khan showed that a fast bowler can be a shrewd captain. He was exceptional in all aspects – leadership, batting, and bowling. Fast bowling is especially demanding. You’ll be tired after long spells, yet you still have to call the shots. But I think Bumrah is ready for it," Balaji explained.
Bumrah has previously played four matches as an interim skipper across formats. With the speedster in charge, India featured in one Test in 2022 and lost it to England. He captained the national team in a three-match T20I series last year and registered a 2-0 victory.
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