Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India speedster & stand in vice captain, Jasprit Bumrah on Monday attended a press conference ahead of the 3 match series against South Africa. In the pre series presser, the ace bowler opened up about future captaincy probabilities, preparation for the series and also about former skipper Virat Kohli.
In reply to a question on Captaining India, Burmrah said, “If given an opportunity, it will be an honour and I don’t see any player would say no and I am no different. Be it any leadership group, I always look to contribute however I can, to the best of my abilities,”
Stating about his responsibilities as the current stand in vice captain, the pace spearhead said, “I look at this situation in the same manner…taking responsibility and talking to players and helping them out has always been my approach and it will always be my approach going further keeping any situation in mind,”
When asked about former skipper Virat Kohli, the 27 year old speedster stated, “See, I am not here to give a judgment on Virat’s decision to leave Test captaincy. It is a personal decision, we respect his decision. He knows how his body is reacting and what frame of mind he is in. I respect that, it has been an immense pleasure to play under Virat Kohli, I made my Test debut under him. He brings a lot of energy to the side. He will always be a leader in the group and his contribution has always been immense,”
Also, in reply to a question about when the team members came to know about Kohli’s decision to step down from Test captaincy, he added, “We are close as a team unit, we got to know about his decision in a team meeting that he will stand down as the Test captain. We respect his decision, we value his leadership. We congratulated him for what he achieved as a leader of this side. Virat has been the leader of our team, he is energy-driven and he has brought a lot of change to Indian cricket. Everybody got fitter in the team, his contribution has been immense. He is a very important player in the group, his assistance, and knowledge of the game would always be used by the team. He will add inputs and suggestions, we all look up to him,”
“See, I cannot speak for everyone, but for me, I can say it does not make that of a difference. We all are here to help in whatever way we can, and that is how everyone is responding to the changes. We understand how the process is going, change is the only constant. I do not think anybody is facing a problem or is in a weird space with the change that is taking place. Everyone in the team is quite positive and eager to contribute,” said Bumrah when asked about the team’s preparation.
Team India will play their first of the 3 match ODI series against South Africa in Paarl on Wednesday under the leadership of KL Rahul.