'He Understands the Game,': Rohit Sharma Defends Jasprit Bumrah's Vice-Captaincy for IND vs NZ Tests

From October 16 to 20 at 9:30 am IST, India and New Zealand will play a highly anticipated Test series. India has a decent chance of winning compared to New Zealand given ir home advant. At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, important players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson are prepared to show off ir abilities. It is anticipated that intense encounter would test strength of both teams and provide exciting moments.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Gives A Jaw-Dropping Update On Mohammad Shami's Injury

Rohit Sharma made a huge statement about vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah

India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday vindicated Jasprit Bumrah 's promotion as vice-captain for three-Test series against New Zealand, terming lead pacer as an integral part of leadership group who has a lot of "understanding" of game.

Bumrah’s elevation to vice-captaincy for Test series, beginning here on Wednesday, came as a bit of surprise as India did t have a deputy to Rohit in recent series against Bangladesh .

decision has been viewed as a precursor to Bumrah stepping in as India's skipper during tour to Australia.

PTI had reported on October 10 that Rohit is set to miss at least one Test Down Under due to personal reasons.

“Look, Bumrah has played a lot of cricket. I've played a lot of cricket with him. He understands game pretty well. He's got a good head on his shoulder. When you talk to him, he understands game,” Rohit told reporters during his pre-match press meet after rain hampered India’s training session.

“Tactically, I can't say much because he has t captained much. He was captain in one Test match and a couple of T20s, I guess,” he added.

Bumrah had led India in rescheduled Test against England in 2022 and marshalled side in T20I series against Ireland last year.

“He understands what is required. When you are in a situation where you need a leader to step up, I think Bumrah will be one of m. So, over past, he's always been in our leadership group,” said Rohit.

37-year-old said his premier pacer has seamlessly moved to role of a mentor to young pacers in team.

“Wher it is speaking to bowlers who have just come into squad, wher it is getting internally with team to discuss about how to move forward as a team, he's always been part of that leadership group.

“So, it's probably right thing to just have him around and speak to bowlers and internally discuss how to take team forward,” added Rohit. 

(With PTI inputs)