Australian cricket legend Allan Border praised pacer Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the "best fit" to lead the Indian cricket team as captain.
Reflecting on Bumrah's leadership qualities, Border highlighted the pacer's strong potential, demonstrated in the five matches he has captained so far.
In a recent statement to an Indian media outlet, Border said, “He’ll (Bumrah) do a very good job. In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields—you couldn’t fault him.”
The 31-year-old recently led Team India to a commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, stepping in for regular captain Rohit Sharma.
The right-arm pacer had previously led the Indian team to a 2-0 series win over Ireland in a three-match T20I series in 2023, with the third game abandoned due to rain.
The former captain who led Australia in 93 Tests during his illustrious career, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by pacers in leadership roles.
"It’s a tough one because, after your over, you need to go down to fine leg for a break and a drink! As captain, you can’t do that. You need to be at mid-on, directing the field. But Bumrah did well. He’s aggressive as a bowler but not as aggressive as a person. He’s always got that smile on his face. (Pat) Cummins too," said Border.
Bumrah has continued to impress with the ball in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 21 wickets in three matches.
Border praised Bumrah’s unique skill set, saying, “Bumrah, these days, is on that pedestal. His wrists, his release points—they’re different from other bowlers. Because of that hyperextension, he’s releasing the ball a foot further down than others. He’s got a unique shuffling run-up, and then the snap of his wrists—it’s amazing. Being different, plus having that skill, puts him on a whole different level of difficulty for the batsman.”
It is pertinent to mention that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is delicately poised at 1-1 after the third Test ended in a rain-affected draw.
India claimed the opening Test with a commanding 295-run victory, while Australia responded with a 10-wicket win in the second match.
The decisive fourth Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30.
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Allan Border
