Jasprit Bumrah hails leadership of veteran Indian players

Bumrah hailed Rohit Sharma for the way he has led the Indian team in the last couple of years, where the team reached the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

The speedster, however, hilariously picked himself as his favourite Indian captain.

"My favourite captain is me because I have captained a few games. Obviously, there are great captains, but I will take my name. I am my favourite captain," Bumrah told The Indian Express.

On a more serious note, he credited Rohit Sharma for his leadership qualities, highlighting his role in the home Test series against England where India were forced to field several newbies.

"In the recent England series, when the youngsters came, Rohit made the atmosphere very comfortable.

"He took extra effort; he will take them out; he will talk to them about the game; he will try and push them to take the responsibility, as the youngsters should think all are equally important; there is no senior or junior," Bumrah said.

Praising Rohit as a bowler's captain, Bumrah mentioned how he helped him in his early days in the Indian Premier League.

"A captain needs to have empathy towards bowlers and Rohit Sharma is one of the few captains who has empathy for bowlers," the fast bowler said.

Playing in the IPL as well, I even used to go and tell Rohit that 'You set the field, I am going to bowl this ball. You set the field, and I trust you whatever you feel is right. You set the field'," Bumrah revealed about his early days at Mumbai Indians.

The seamer also spoke highly of former India skipper Virat Kohli and the fierce energy and passion he brings to the team.

"Virat is energy-driven. He is quite passionate, wears his heart on his sleeves. He pushed us in terms of fitness. He changed the narrative that way.

Even though Virat is not the captain, he is still the leader."