Jasprit Bumrah Reflects on the Captains Who Shaped His Career: From Dhoni to Rohit
India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as a rare talent, and his rise has been carefully managed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Since making his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has become an integral part of Team India, earning respect for his consistent brilliance with the ball.
In a recent interview, Bumrah revealed how former India captain MS Dhoni played a crucial role in his early development. “MS gave me a lot of security very quickly. He trusts his instincts and doesn’t rely heavily on elaborate planning,” Bumrah shared with *The Indian Express*. Bumrah made his debut under Dhoni’s captaincy, a period he fondly remembers as foundational to his career.
When Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Virat Kohli, Bumrah experienced a different style of leadership. “Virat is driven by energy and passion. He wears his heart on his sleeve and pushed us hard in terms of fitness, changing the narrative around it. Even though Virat is no longer the captain, he remains a leader. Captaincy is just a title; a team is led by all 11 players,” Bumrah explained.
Now playing under Rohit Sharma in Tests and ODIs, Bumrah highlighted what sets Rohit apart as a leader. “Rohit is one of the few captains who empathizes with bowlers, even as a batsman. He understands the emotions of players and knows what they’re going through. Rohit is open to feedback and isn’t rigid in his approach,” Bumrah added.
While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped away from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory in Barbados earlier this year. Bumrah’s reflections offer a glimpse into the diverse leadership styles that have guided his journey to becoming one of the world’s most feared fast bowlers.