One-Off Test Vs England: What Advice Did Coach Dravid Give New Captain Bumrah?

Birmingham: Jasprit Bumrah became India’s 36th Test captain when he went out for the toss with England’s Ben Stokes on Friday in the one-off match at Edgbaston.

Bumrah was named vice-captain earlier, but this is the pace spearhead’s first international game as Team India skipper, thanks to the COVID-hit Rohit Sharma being ruled out for the match which was rescheduled following the cancellation of last September’s fifth and final Test at Manchester.

So what was coach Rahul Dravid’s advice for the new captain ahead of his big day?

“I’ve had a couple of conversations with him in the last few days to tell him to just relax. I told him we need you more as bowler rather than as a captain,” Dravid told official broadcasters Sony.

Dravid, who led India in 25 Tests and 79 ODIs, observed that Bumrah is a respected man in the dressing room.

“I think he is a very thoughtful individual, understands the game very well. Also, he commands the respect of the team, which is very important as a leader,” Dravid said.

For the record, Bumrah lost his first toss as India captain and was asked to bat first by Stokes.