The upcoming series against Ireland carries great importance for Jasprit Bumrah. It’s not only a highly anticipated comeback for him but also a platform to showcase his leadership abilities.
Jasprit Bumrah is set to make history by becoming the first fast bowler to captain India in the T20I format. Bumrah, who has already captained the Indian team in Test matches against England, is now poised to take the role of T20I leadership in Dublin. This responsibility comes his way as India’s primary T20 captain, Hardik Pandya, takes a well-deserved rest from the series, hoping to manage his workload efficiently.
Marking a significant event, Bumrah will be the 11th captain to manage India in the shortest format of the game. Since India’s debut in T20Is back in 2006, leadership responsibilities have largely been occupied by batsmen, wicketkeepers, and all-rounders. This habit of entrusting fast bowlers with captaincy was first challenged by Australia when they picked Pat Cummins as captain in 2021. Now, Bumrah takes the reins of a team including budding talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and other IPL stars.
In this young team, Bumrah emerged as the most seasoned player, helping his teammates to exhibit their skills against a resurgent Ireland side.
Before Bumrah, a string of eleven players have led India in T20Is since the inception year of 2006. Virender Sehwag was the pathfinder, captaining India in T20Is during that particular year. Subsequently, MS Dhoni directed India through 72 T20Is. Following Dhoni, Suresh Raina briefly led in three T20Is during 2010-11. Ajinkya Rahane, a famous star from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), took control for two T20Is in 2015.
Later, in 2017, Virat Kohli acquired the full-time captaincy, guiding India in 50 T20Is. After Kohli’s relinquishment of the T20I captaincy, Rohit Sharma took up the baton, directing India in 51 T20Is.
Shikhar Dhawan captained a young squad in three T20Is in 2021. Rishabh Pant captained the team for a whole T20 series against South Africa in 2022, managing India in five matches. Hardik Pandya, with 16 T20I captaincies under his belt, and KL Rahul, leading India once in T20Is, followed the trend of hitters, all-rounders, and wicket-keepers holding the captaincy post.
In this dynamic tapestry of T20I leadership, Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy stands as a novel chapter, recognizing the potential of fast bowlers in guiding the Indian cricket squad.
