Cheteshwar Pujara backs Jasprit Bumrah for long-term captaincy after BGT 2024-25 1st Test win

India’s veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has put his weight behind Jasprit Bumrah for long-term captaincy after India won the opening Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth by a gargantuan margin of 295 runs.

Bumrah led for the second time in Test matches in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who missed the opening game due to personal reasons. The ace fast bowler led from the front as he returned with match figures of 8-72 and bagged the Player of the Match.

Pujara said Bumrah is a team-man and he always thinks about his teammates. 

Pujara said on ESPN Cricinfo, “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.”

Pujara, who observed Bumrah’s rise from close quarters as a teammate, said the gun fast bowler is very down to earth.

“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.”

After his heroics at Perth, Bumrah moved to the top of the ICC Test rankings. The second Test match between Australia and India, which will be a pink-ball game, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards.