AUS vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar backs Jasprit Bumrah for captaincy, dismisses ‘Bakwas’ misconception

Sunil Gavaskar said that Jasprit Bumrah has all the ingredients to become the full-time captain of the Indian national team. On Monday, November 25, Bumrah had a dream day after leading India to a 295-run win over Pat Cummins’ Australia in the opening Test of the five-match series at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Bumrah also became the first overseas captain to win a Test at the Perth Stadium, ending Australia’s winning 4-0 run at the venue. But Rohit Sharma is set to take the captaincy duties from the second Test onwards after joining the Test squad during the Perth Test.

AUS vs IND, 1st Test: Day 4 Highlights | Scorecard

Gavaskar also brushed aside misconceptions over fast bowlers not having the potential to be good captains. The veteran cited the examples of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, backing Bumrah to successfully take charge as the Indian skipper.

“He’s only 30. So yes, clearly, he has shown that he can handle the cares of captaincy. Today also, the way he made the bowling changes tells you that he is putting a lot of thought into all his moves and once again disproving all that, you know, Bakwas that goes on that fast bowlers aren’t good captains,” Gavaskar told India Today in an interview.

“In our subcontinent itself, we’ve got Imran Khan, the fast bowler who’s been a fabulous captain. And we’ve got Kapil Dev, two top class captains, excellent captains, so fast bowlers can also make good captains,” Gavaskar added.

Also Read: 1st Test: Jasprit Bumrah’s India breach Perth fortress, outclass hapless Australia

Jasprit Bumrah shines bright in Perth

Bumrah won the Player of the Match award after India came up trumps in the Perth Test. After being bowled out for 150 in the first innings, India found themselves in all sorts of trouble, but Bumrah took a five-wicket haul, making sure that the visitors took a lead of 46 runs.

With India defending 534 to win the Test, Bumrah breathed fire to take three wickets. He also dismissed the dangerous Travis Head, who made a fighting 89. Back in 2022, Bumrah tasted defeat as captain in the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, but he made amends in Perth.