IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma reveals why Bumrah was chosen as the vice-captain
IND vs NZ: "Bumrah has played a lot of cricket. I have played a lot of cricket with him. He understands the game well. He has a good mind. When you talk to him, he understands the game well."
After Jasprit Bumrah became the Test vice-captain for the three-match series against New Zealand, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed faith in the fast bowler's leadership skills.
Although Bumrah has not led India too often in his international career, Rohit noted that he was a member of the leadership group and had led the country on occasion in the past. "Bumrah has a lot of cricket experience. We have played a great deal of cricket together. He is well-versed in the game. He is intelligent. He has a good understanding of the game when you speak with him.
"Strategically, I don't have much to say about him because he hasn't captained much. I reckon he was only captain in one Test match and a couple of T20s," Rohit said at the pre-match press meet as rain interrupted India's training session today.
Bumrah was given the captaincy for the Ireland T20 series last year, and his comeback into the team after injury before the Asia Cup. In 2022, he also led India in the rescheduled Test against England.
"He knows what needs to be done. When you need that sort of leader to take the game forward, I think Bumrah will be one of them, so in the past he has always been in our leadership group," Rohit said.
The opener said that Bumrah is a real mentor to the young pacers in the team. Whether it's talking to the bowlers who have joined the team, or discussing internally with the team on how to move forward as a team, he has always been a part of that leadership group.
Rohit said, "So, it is the right thing to call him to talk to the bowlers and discuss internally about taking the team forward." The first Test between India and New Zealand will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from Wednesday.
