South Africa vs. India: I didn’t expect Jasprit Bumrah to be named vice captain, says former electoral officer Saba Karim

India tour through South Africa: Jasprit Bumrah was appointed vice-captain of the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming 3-game series from January 19th. KL Rahul will lead the team in the absence of the injured Rohit Sharma.

Jasprit Bumrah becomes KL Rahul’s deputy during the ODI series in South Africa (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

• KL Rahul leads India in the ODI series against South Africa
• Jasprit Bumrah has been named deputy captain of the 18-man squad
• Rohit Sharma missed the ODI series due to an injury

Former national selection and wicket keeper Saba Karim has been surprised at the appointment of Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain of the ODI series against South Africa from January 19th series in South Africa and selected KL Rahul as captain instead of the injured Rohit Sharma.

Voters also named Jasprit Bumrah as Rahul’s deputy, despite the presence of Virat Kohli, who was deposed as captain of the ODI team last month. While Rahul has experience running an Indian Premier League franchise and players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer who have been selected for the ODIs also have experience running teams, while Bumrah has never had one.

Chief Selector Chetan Sharma said on December 31st that this will be a great opportunity for Bumrah to be part of the leadership group and learn as they prepare some of the players for future leadership roles.

Also read: India reaches Johannesburg, sweating with the Wanderers

However, Saba Karim said he expected Rishabh Pant to get the role of vice-captain before Bumrah.

“I was very surprised, I didn’t expect Jasprit Bumrah to be named vice captain,” Saba Karim told India News.

“I was hoping that Rishabh Pant would have more chances to become vice-captain because he is also a multi-format player, he plays all three formats.

“Pants performance as captain of the Delhi Capitals was very good. We see how he reads the game, he has a lot of game awareness.”

Jasprit Bumrah has the talent, his role is very important to the Indian team but he has not been a captain anywhere before. So it’s a little surprising. I felt that Rishabh Pant was the first runner-up candidate. “

India has named an 18-man squad for the 3-game ODI series and, together with Rohit, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also missing due to injury concerns.

India is currently preparing for the 2nd of a 3-game test series against South Africa starting January 3rd in Johannesburg. Test after being the first Asian team to win a test in Centurion.

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