"He talks about the team" - Cheteshwar Pujara earmarks Jasprit Bumrah for long-term captaincy after BGT 2024-25 1st Test

Out-of-favor Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has endorsed Jasprit Bumrah for long-term captaincy, replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm for the longest format. The veteran cricketer hailed Bumrah's leadership capabilities and observed how he showcased them with aplomb in the opening Test against Australia in Perth.

With Rohit rendering himself unavailable due to paternity leave, Bumrah stepped up and flourished as captain. The right-arm speedster took eight wickets in the match, including a fifer on Day 1 that helped gain Team India a 46-run lead despite a first-innings total of only 150. The tourists eventually won by 295 runs and romped to a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

When asked whether Bumrah has the potential to be the full-time captain, Pujara said he has no doubts about it. The 36-year-old commented that Bumrah is an absolute man and leads from the front.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, the 103-Test veteran elaborated:

"He is with any doubt. The way he has showed that in difficult circumstances when we had a tough series at home and when you are playing a first Test match in Australia and to put up a show like that. I think he has the capability of leading the team and he’s a team’s man. You look at him he never only talks about himself, he talks about the team, the other players. What advice he would give."

The 30-year-old previously captained Team India during the fifth Test against England at Edgbaston in 2022, but the tourists lost the match comprehensively.

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"He is very down to earth" - Cheteshwar Pujara on Jasprit Bumrah

Cheteshwar Pujara. (Image Credits: Getty)

Pujara added that Bumrah's quality to gel up well with everyone also makes him a good captain, adding:

"There are times when players don’t need advise and he accepts it, he says that.. if there is an experienced player he will keep quiet. That is the sign of a good captain. He is very down to earth, very friendly with players in the dressing room and eager to help and he is good person to chat with. Even outside of cricket, he has a humble personality."

India and Australia will resume their battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, beginning on December 6.