Indian cricket sensation Jasprit Bumrah has boldly asserted that bowlers are well-suited for leadership roles in cricket, shedding light on the intelligence required to excel in their roles. Bumrah, who currently serves as India’s vice-captain in red-ball cricket, spoke candidly in an interview with the Indian Express about the increasing trend of bowlers taking up leadership positions and labeled them the “smart ones.”
The 30-year-old, who has also occasionally led the team in the absence of regular skippers, elaborated on the unique challenges and qualities that make bowlers effective leaders. “I feel bowlers are smart people because they have to get the batsmen out,” Bumrah stated. “Bowlers have to do the hard job and are not hiding behind a bat; they’re not hiding behind a flat wicket. We’re right in the firing line. When we lose a game, it’s usually the bowlers who are blamed. So it’s a hard job.”
Bumrah continued by praising notable bowlers who have successfully captained their teams, such as Pat Cummins, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Kapil Dev. “We’ve seen Pat Cummins doing really well. When I was a child, I’d seen Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as captains. Kapil Dev has won us a World Cup. Imran Khan has won a World Cup for Pakistan. So bowlers are the smart ones,” he elaborated.
Bumrah’s advocacy for bowlers in leadership roles comes at a time when the cricketing world is witnessing a gradual shift in how captains are chosen. Historically, batsmen have predominantly been preferred for the role due to their perceived stability and longevity. However, Bumrah’s assertion challenges this norm, suggesting that the skill set required to be a successful bowler translates well into leadership.
The versatile pacer also shared insights from his experiences playing under India’s recent captains Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, all of whom have brought unique styles to their leadership roles. “Rohit is one of the few captains who has empathy towards bowlers, despite being a batter. He understands players’ emotions and knows what a player is going through.
. Rohit is not rigid; he is open to feedback,” Bumrah remarked.
Reflecting on his early days, Bumrah credited MS Dhoni for providing a sense of security and backing during his initial forays into international cricket. “MS Dhoni gave me a lot of security quickly. He has a lot of faith in his instinct and doesn’t believe in a lot of planning,” he said.
Turning his attention to Virat Kohli, Bumrah highlighted Kohli’s energy and passion, particularly emphasizing the former skipper’s focus on fitness. “Virat is energy-driven, passionate, wears his heart on his sleeve. He pushed us in terms of fitness and changed the narrative that way. Now Virat is not the captain, but he is still a leader. Captaincy is a post, but a team is run by 11 people,” Bumrah added.
Bumrah’s comments come in the wake of a broader discussion about the evolving nature of captaincy in modern cricket. As the game becomes more demanding and specialized, the qualities that make a good leader are also changing. The ability to adapt, empathetically manage team dynamics, and make tactical decisions under pressure are increasingly valued traits.
Observing Bumrah’s own journey, it is evident that his experiences have shaped his views on leadership. Known for his ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver match-winning performances, Bumrah has exemplified many of the qualities he believes are essential for a cricket captain. His success in leading India’s pace attack, combined with his tactical acumen, has earned him respect both on and off the field.
By advocating for more bowlers in leadership roles, Bumrah is not only challenging traditional perceptions but also paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic approach to captaincy. As cricket continues to evolve, such perspectives could fundamentally alter how teams are led, potentially ushering in a new era where bowlers are given their due recognition as the smart and capable leaders they can be.
In conclusion, Jasprit Bumrah’s call for increased leadership roles for bowlers is both a testament to his belief in the intelligence and capability of bowlers and a reflection of his forward-thinking approach to the game. With cricket evolving rapidly, embracing diversity in leadership roles can only benefit the sport, bringing fresh perspectives and new strategies to the forefront.
