Former BCCI selector explains why Jasprit Bumrah was appointed ODI vice-captain

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• Jan 2, 2022 | moderator

Digital Desk: BCCI rewarded pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Friday for his consistency across all three formats. The BCCI named him KL Rahul's deputy for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. 

The 28-year-old pacer is all set to lead the vice-captaincy headdress in the bilateral series after pipping two proven IPL captains, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

Former BCCI selector MSK Prasad sensed that it was an easy decision for the selectors. Since bursting into the international setback in 2016, Jasprit Bumrah has proved himself an essential part of the Indian bowling setup. He was correspondingly seen to be leading the team at some point in South Africa if Rahul chooses to take a one-game break.

"Jasprit Bumrah is a very suitable young man with a lot of rationality. So why not reward him? I like this decision: Why can't we make a fast bowler captain If he is doing well in all formats?" said Prasad.

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"Unless you allow him to be a part of the leadership group, you won't know what to expect of Jasprit. But having said that, I would even say that possibly since it was a decision on vice-captaincy for one series, it was an easy call. Had it been for captaincy with Rohit and Rahul unavailable, it could have been different," Prasad added.

Moreover, former all-rounder, Reetinder Singh Sodhi has shown his thumbs up to Jasprit Bumrah's progress as vice-captain. 

He said, "I have stated earlier that Jasprit Bumrah is captaincy material. It is a huge myth that fast bowlers cannot be captains. Fast bowlers read the game very well, and the big reason for Jasprit Bumrah being made the vice-captain is that he is a performer across the formats."

It will be fascinating to witness how Rahul-Bumrah leads the side in the upcoming ODIs. The Indian and South African cricket teams are currently playing an ICC World Test Championship series.