It's a huge honour to be India's captain: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is set to become India’s 36th Test captain on July 1 (Friday) when he steps out for the toss in the rescheduled fifth Test against England. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the game as he couldn’t recover from COVID-19 and the BCCI named Bumrah captain for the encounter while appointing Rishabh Pant his deputy.

The fast bowler is delighted to lead team India and called it a huge honour. He also stated he has spoken to MS Dhoni, who remains the only captain to win all three ICC trophies and also had no experience of leading a team at any level of cricket before he was appointed at the helm in 2007. Bumrah also doesn’t have any experience of being a captain but is looking forward to the challenge.

Rohit Sharma is a very important player and we will miss him, says Bumrah

“It’s a huge Achievement, a huge honor. When I started playing, test cricket was a dream. To lead India is the biggest achievement of my career. Rohit Sharma is a very important player and we will miss him. It is unfortunate that he is missing out,” said Jasprit Bumrah. “I have spoken to MS Dhoni, and he told me that he captained India straight away, he had never captained anywhere else and he is one of the most successful captains. I am just focusing on how to help the team and not on what I have done before,” Bumrah added.

Meanwhile, the Three Lions have also announced their playing XI for the all-important match. Veteran James Anderson has returned after recovering from an injury and he has replaced Jamie Overton. To note, the series decider between India and England will start on July 1 with the visitors leading by 2-1.

After the fifth and final Test match between India and England, a three-match T20I series will take place from July 7 (Thursday) and then the same number of ODI matches will be played between the two nations which will commence on July 12 (Tuesday).