India captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid19 earlier today, and if he is unable to recover in time for the one-off Test against England starting July 1, Jasprit Bumrah in all likelihood will be named the stand-in captain.
We have not seen too many Indian bowlers captain the Test team. After Kapil Dev in March 1987, no fast bowler has ever led India and 35 years later, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to change that.
KL Rahul would have been named the captain in place of Rohit Sharma. But he is also out with an injury, thus making Bumrah the only wise captaincy choice.
Earlier when Bumrah was India’s vice-captain for the three-match ODI series in South Africa, he had said he would give his best if the opportunity to lead India is given to him.
“If given an opportunity, it would be an honour. I don’t think any cricketer would say no. However, I don’t chase things as I believe in God’s plan. Whatever role is asked of me I would do it with the best ability. I don’t want to change everything. You are always a leader when you become one of the senior members of the team,” he said.
However, Bumrah will get a chance if only Rohit Sharma does not test negative before July 1. The news of the Indian skipper testing positive for the virus came out in the wee hours of June 26, and he has five days to recover in time.
