Sunil Gavaskar debunks misconception after Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional captaincy display at Perth: ‘Dispelling all doubts…’

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has dispelled any doubts about fast bowlers' ability to captain a team and has thrown his support behind Jasprit Bumrah to lead India's Test team. After an outstanding performance in the Perth Test against Australia, where he helped India secure a crucial 1-0 series lead, Bumrah has earned praise for his leadership on the field. With Rohit Sharma missing in action, Bumrah stepped up to the challenge and showcased his captaincy skills. In a pivotal moment when India's first innings collapse left them on the back foot, Bumrah took charge and delivered a five-wicket haul to dismantle Australia's batting lineup and secure a 46-run lead for his team. Gavaskar's endorsement of Bumrah's captaincy credentials signals a potential new era for Indian cricket under the young fast bowler's guidance.

It was the second time when Bumrah was leading the Indian Test team, as his first attempt in the leadership role didn't work in the team's favour. However, he looked like a much-improved skipper. He made some smart bowling changes and inspired the visitors to register their first-ever win on Optus Stadium, ending Australia's 4-0 streak at the venue.

Gavaskar asserted that Bumrah has the ability to take care of the big captaincy responsibility.

“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.

The legendary cricketer gave the examples of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan while suggesting that fast bowlers can also make good captains and backing Bumrah for the role.

“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.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has joined the Indian team in Perth, and he'll be available for selection in the pink-Test match in Adelaide. He will be leading the Test team for the first time in Australia, while Bumrah is going to be his deputy once again.