‘Who said fast bowlers can't be captains’ – Ashish Nehra names Jasprit Bumrah as India’s potential T20I skipper

India’s T20I team would be undergoing some significant changes following the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Virat Kohli, ahead of the competition, had announced he would step down as India’s T20I captain after the T20 World Cup. Hence, it would be interesting to see who’ll succeed the talismanic cricketer. The same has been a hot topic of discussion in the cricket world lately.

With Rohit Sharma being the vice-captain of the white-ball team, the opener looks all set to take over the leadership role. However, any official announcement regarding the same hasn’t been made. With the Hitman being 34 and in the latter part of his career, many reckon the national selectors could appoint either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant for the crucial role.

Speaking on the matter, former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra said speedster Jasprit Bumrah should be in the fray to take over the role. Fast bowlers leading sides hasn’t been a very popular idea. However, Nehra believes Bumrah, one of the finest fast bowlers going around, can replace Kohli as he’s a regular face in all three formats.

Jasprit Bumrah is always in the XI for all formats: Ashish Nehra

“After Rohit Sharma, we are hearing the names of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul [as contendors]. Rishabh Pant has traveled around the world but has also carried drinks and has even been left out from the team before. KL Rahul returned to Test cricket because Mayank Agarwal was injured,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.

“So Jasprit Bumrah can be an option too. As Ajay [Jadeja] said, he’s sturdy, a certainty in the team, and is always in the XI for all formats. It’s nowhere written in the rule book that fast bowlers can’t be captains,” he added. Nothing can deny the fact that Bumrah is one of the vital cogs of the national team.

However, in order to be fresh and fit, fast bowlers require rest after certain intervals. Also, they are prone to injuries. Hence, BCCI isn’t likely to hand over the reins to Bumrah. Nevertheless, India’s full-time T20I captain is expected to be announced next week as BCCI is set to announce squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home.