'MS Dhoni never captained any side before leading India, now he's remembered as the greatest' - Jasprit Bumrah ahead of captaincy debut

India’s 36^th Test skipper Jasprit Bumrah is all set to lead the team in the fifth and rescheduled Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. While the upcoming assignment is going to be something new and challenging for him, the pacer is looking up to former India skipper MS Dhoni, who led the team without any experience, a situation similar to Bumrah’s.

Dhoni had not captained in any first-class game, List A game, or even an IPL game before being named India’s captain. As Rohit Sharma returned a positive Covid-19 test on Thursday morning, it ruled him out of the five-day game as Bumrah learned that he would be leading the Indian squad.

“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. 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,” Bumrah said.

I have had immense faith in myself: Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah said that he is honoured to lead the Indian team as he became one of the very few bowlers to have led the side. After making his Test debut in January 2018, the pacer has had a spectacular ascent in international cricket. With Rohit missing, it is going to be a tough task not just for Bumrah, but also for the Indian team as they face the in-form England who are backed with a 3-0 series win over New Zealand.

“Representing India in Tests was always a dream for me and this opportunity to lead the side is the biggest achievement of my career. I’m very happy that I’ve been given this opportunity. I have had immense faith in myself. In every scenario, I have trusted the instincts that have taken me to this level in cricket and I will keep doing that, going forward. Nothing changes for me, especially my role. That’s what I am going to do as the captain of the side,” Bumrah said.

“I only came to know that I would be leading the side after Rohit Sharma tested COVID positive once again on Thursday. I first broke the news to my family when I came to know that I would be leading the side. Rohit is a very important player and we will miss him in this game. It’s unfortunate that someone like Rohit is missing out,” he added.