There’s an age-old perception around a fast bowler leading the Test side that Jasprit Bumrah will aim to shatter when he leads India for the fifth Test against England at Edgbaston. After Rohit Sharma failed to clear the COVID-19 tests, Bumrah emerged as a natural choice, becoming only the second fast bowler after Kapil Dev to captain the Indian team. 

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The first assignment for Bumrah will be to retain the Pataudi Trophy, which India currently leads by 2-1. While he is a temporary choice, a win or a draw at Edgbaston will surely boost his claim as a permanent captain in the future once Rohit Sharma retires. 

“This is a big achievement, a big honour,” Bumrah said. “For me, playing a Test match was a dream and getting such an opportunity is probably one of the biggest achievements of my career. I am very happy that I have been given this opportunity.”

However, Bumrah has never captained at the senior level. And it’s valid for fans to wonder how he will handle the pressure of such a high-stakes game? The 28-year-old is drawing inspiration from the former captain MS Dhoni, who never led any side before being appointed as India’s captain. 

“I remember speaking to MS (Dhoni), and he told me that he never captained any side before he led India for the first time. Now, he is remembered as one of the most successful captains of all time,” said Bumrah, who is currently ranked third in ICC Test rankings for bowlers. 

Ever since making his Test debut in 2018, Bumrah has grown up to become the most crucial component of India’s fast-bowling machinery. On Friday, he will be spearheading the pace attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur. 

“As a cricketer, you always want to test yourself in deep waters. I have spoken to many cricketers. Everybody improves and keep getting better,” he said ahead of the game. “So, I am focusing on how I can help the team and not focusing on what I have done before or how the cricketing conventions or the rules have been set.”

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