Jasprit Bumrah Opens Up About Captaining India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ‘I Trust My Instincts’

In a rare moment in Indian cricket, Jasprit Bumrah stood before the media as the Test captain during a photoshoot ahead of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Perth. With Rohit Sharma at home for the birth of his second child, Bumrah filled in as the stand-in skipper, answering questions and posing for photographs.

Bumrah has only captained India in Test cricket once before, so most of the media attention was focused on how he planned to approach his new leadership role and whether he would draw inspiration from former captains Rohit and Virat Kohli, who both enjoyed successful careers as leaders.

"You have to carve your own path; you can’t just imitate others," Bumrah said on Thursday (November 21). "Both Rohit and Virat have been highly successful, but I’ve always done things my own way. I don’t follow a textbook model in my bowling either—I rely on my instincts. That’s how I’ve always played my cricket."

Since making his Test debut in South Africa in 2018, Bumrah’s career has skyrocketed. With 173 wickets in 40 Tests, including 32 wickets in just 7 matches in Australia at an outstanding average of 21.25, he’s confident his bowling skills and instincts will help him in his dual role as both captain and leader of the pace attack.

"I trust my instincts and gut feeling," Bumrah shared. "As a bowler, you’re constantly planning and adjusting your tactics during the game. I ensure that I cover all possible scenarios, and that’s the same mindset I’ll bring as captain."

Heading into the Perth Test, Bumrah not only leads the Indian team but also holds the title of the senior-most fast bowler. With pace expected to dominate at the venue, balancing these two crucial roles may be challenging. However, Bumrah views it as an opportunity.

"I perform best when I’m in charge because I know my body’s limits, when to push myself, and when to take on additional responsibility," he explained. "There are challenges, but there are also advantages. Being a bowler myself, I have a good sense of the conditions and can adjust tactics accordingly, whether it’s changing the field or reacting to the wicket’s behavior."

Bumrah also emphasised the importance of data and research in modern-day fast bowling. "Bowlers today rely much more on research and data than batters," he said. "So, I focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Challenges are a part of the game, but I see them as opportunities to test myself and improve."

As Bumrah leads India into the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, his combination of experience, tactical acumen, and leadership qualities will be key as India faces Australia in what promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive series.