Why 'Natural Leader' Jasprit Bumrah Was An Obvious Captaincy Pick? Morkel Shares Insight

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Nov 20 2024, 4:10 PM | 2 Min Read

Morne Mokel lists Jasprit Bumrah's leadership qualities [Source: @IamRathinDutta, @BCCI/X.com]

In a detailed press conference, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that when they learned about Rohit Sharma’s absence from the Perth Test vs Australia, Jasprit Bumrah put his hand up to fill his shoes. Morkel believes that Bumrah’s calmness and experience make him a natural leader to succeed Rohit.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is celebrating the birth of his second child and is set to miss the series opener of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at Perth. Jasprit Bumrah, the vice-captain, has been named stand-in captain as India takes on Australia on November 22.

Jasprit Bumrah, one of the most celebrated fast bowlers globally, is set to be the only fast bowler to lead India in Test format after legend Kapil Dev. Previously, Bumrah played as captain against England in the fifth Test at Birmingham. 

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Morkel calls Bumrah A 'Natural Leader'

Meanwhile, ahead of the Perth Test, India bowling coach, Morne Morkel addressed a press conference and revealed that Jasprit Bumrah put his hand up to replace Rohit as captain as the pacer turned out to be an obvious choice for the team management. Morkel added that Bumrah has plenty of experience playing in Australia.

As a fast bowler and captain, he can bring together the team and lead from the front. Not only that, Morkel believes the calmness Bumrah brings to the dressing room makes him a natural leader, and he cannot wait to see what he brings to the field in the Perth Test.

In Jasprit Bumrah, India has found a captain who epitomises discipline, tactical insight, and humility. The Perth Test will surely offer a glimpse of what the future of Indian Test cricket will look like. 

Morkel shed light on Shami’s availability

Mohammed Shami is not a part of India’s Border Gavaskar Trophy squad due to a knee injury. Though he is bowling at full throttle in the Ranji Trophy, India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, refused to confirm his comeback in the BGT series. He revealed that management is keeping a close eye on the pacer’s progress, and all necessary support is provided. Shami is an important piece of the Test setup puzzle, and the time is perhaps not right to risk his health.

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