As India prepares for their opening Test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 22, at the Perth Stadium, bowling coach Morne Morkel has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, especially highlighting his leadership qualities. Bumrah, who is stepping up to lead the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who recently became a father on November 15, will be captaining India for the second time in a Test match. This marks a crucial moment for Bumrah as he assumes a more prominent leadership role, and Morkel believes that the 30-year-old fast bowler is well-equipped to guide India through this important series.
Bumrah’s first experience as captain came in 2022, when he led India during the rescheduled fifth Test against England. Unfortunately, that match ended in a defeat for India by seven wickets. Furthermore, Bumrah also served as vice-captain in the three-match series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3. Despite these setbacks, Morkel sees Bumrah as a natural leader who can thrive in this role, especially with the responsibility of guiding younger pacers in India’s five-match Test series against Australia.
Morkel spoke highly of Bumrah’s leadership potential in the pre-match press conference, noting that Bumrah has always been someone willing to take charge and step up to leadership challenges. “Jassi is a guy who immediately put his hands up and wanted the leadership role,” Morkel said. “He has been very successful in the past, he knows what to expect, and he speaks well in the dressing room. He is a guy who will lead from the front with the ball in hand, and younger guys will follow him.” Morkel’s words indicate that Bumrah’s presence will be pivotal in leading India’s pace attack and ensuring that the younger bowlers learn from his experience and composure.
Furthermore, Morkel emphasized the vital role that experienced players such as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will play in assisting Bumrah with the pressures of leadership. The bowling coach suggested that these senior players would provide the necessary support and guidance to help Bumrah succeed in his captaincy. “For him, it’s an exciting challenge ahead,” Morkel said, referring to Bumrah’s leadership responsibilities. “But again, we have got Virat (Kohli), KL (Rahul), and a lot of experienced guys who will help him, and I’m sure when he is bowling, it will bring a bit of calmness into the team. In terms of leadership and how he looks at the game, he’s a natural leader for me.” Morkel's confidence in Bumrah’s leadership skills further highlights his belief that the pacer can handle the pressures of captaining India in such an important series.
Bumrah’s cricketing record in Australia also adds to his credibility as a leader. The fast bowler has enjoyed significant success on Australian soil, having taken 32 wickets in just seven Test matches, including a stunning six-wicket haul. His performances in the previous two series victories in Australia — in 2018-19 and 2020-21 — have further cemented his reputation as one of the world’s top fast bowlers. India is now aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil, a remarkable feat that would solidify India’s position at the top of international cricket.
Bumrah's success in Australia, along with his growing leadership responsibilities, makes this upcoming series even more exciting for both India and their fans. With Morkel's endorsement and the backing of seasoned players like Kohli and Rahul, Bumrah will have the support needed to guide India in their quest for another historic series win. As India begins their campaign against Australia, all eyes will be on Bumrah as he takes on the dual challenge of leading his team and spearheading India’s pace attack against a formidable Australian side.
