Taking on the position of leader will benefit Bumrah: Rohit

Rohit Sharma stated on Wednesday that he is pleased to have Jasprit Bumrah as his vice-captain for the forthcoming T20I and Test series against Sri Lanka, adding that he doesn’t mind if a batsman or a bowler leads the team.

Bumrah was selected India’s vice-captain for the first time earlier this year during the ODI series in South Africa.

In the absence of KL Rahul, who is out with an injury, Bumrah will be Rohit’s deputy in the home series against Sri Lanka. Rahul was India’s vice-captain during the ODI series against the West Indies earlier this month, while Rishabh Pant took over as vice-captain for the T20I series.

The selection committee is seeking to develop players like Rahul, Pant, and Bumrah into leaders, while Rohit has been named captain of the squad across all forms.

While Rohit was elected limited-overs leader last year, he was also named Test captain in the run-up to the Sri Lanka series.

Bumrah has made remarkable progress in international cricket and has matured into one of the finest pacers in all forms, and Rohit feels the Mumbai Indians star’s confidence would only grow with vice-captaincy.

“It doesn’t matter if the guy is a batter or a bowler”. What is important is the cricketing intellect, and he (Bumrah) has a terrific one. I’m familiar with him and know what sort of cricketing mind he has “Rohit remarked this on the eve of the first Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka in Lucknow.

It’s good of him to assume leadership. He’s taken his game to new heights. I’m sure he’d like to pursue this further. This job will boost his confidence in what he’s about to undertake. It’s great to have him as the team’s vice-captain “He continued.

Bumrah, who missed the West Indies series, will command India’s pace attack in the T20Is and Tests against Sri Lanka.