Jasprit Bumrah has got leadership skills and can become India's Test captain: Robin Uthappa

As the fans gear up for an exciting clash between India and Ireland in a three-match T20I series from August 18 to 23, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, who is not only making a return from a year-long injury break but is also stepping into the role of captaincy for the first time in T20Is.

The anticipation surrounding Bumrah's return is noticeable, as the pacer has been on the sidelines for long due to a back injury. The series against Ireland holds immense significance, not just for his much-awaited comeback, but also for the display of his leadership prowess. Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa expressed his insights in a recent conversation on the same matter.

"He has got leadership skills and he could go on to become our Test captain, too, because he is a pretty shrewd strategist as well. It will be interesting to see how he'll go about it," Uthappa said in a conversation with Jio Cinema.

Bumrah's appointment as the T20I captain is a unique move by the team management, given his role as a pace bowler. He is set to become the 11th Indian captain to lead the side in T20Is and the first pacer to do so. This decision is signifying the faith the management has in his abilities to not only lead but also make a successful comeback.

However, the stakes are high for Bumrah, as his performance and fitness in this series could potentially impact his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC ODI World Cup. With the Asia Cup scheduled to commence on August 30 and the World Cup on October 5, India's hopes rest significantly on his shoulders.

Robin Uthappa, echoing the sentiments of Indian supporters, emphasized the importance of Bumrah's fitness and match practice before the World Cup,

"I expect Bumrah to go injury-free this series and stay completely healthy. He should just feel like himself again and that would augur really well for the Indian team."