India Vs England: 'Biggest achievement of my career' - Jasprit Bumrah on becoming India captain

"Not here to emulate anyone, but learned from everyone," that's what India's newest Test Captain Jasprit Bumrah said when asked about whether he's learned anything from the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma.

Bumrah is India's 36th Test captain! While his name was doing the rounds ever since Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid, the BCCI only announced his name as captain in a tweet on Thursday evening.

He also becomes the first Indian fast bowler after legendary skipper Kapil Dev to lead Team India, 35 years after the Haryana Hurricane last captained the side.

Speaking on the eve of the all-important Edgbaston Test, Bumrah said, "This is a huge achievement, a huge honour. Playing Test match for the country was my dream and getting this opportunity is the biggest achievement of my career."

While England look like a completely different side from last year, having whitewashed New Zealand 3-0 recently, Jasprit Bumrah is unfazed by the challenge that lies ahead.

"Our focus is on our strengths. England have played well, but we are not concentrating on them. We want to execute our plans to the best of our ability."

When asked about his inexperience as captain, Bumrah quipped: "I have spoken to MS Dhoni, he told me that he captained India straight away, he had never captained anywhere else and he is one of the most successful captains. I am just focusing on how to help the team and not on what I have done before."

While it's true that Bumrah has been thrown into the deep end with his new role as captain, it remains to be seen whether he can survive and thrive. A true test of character awaits!

Also read: India vs England 5th Test Preview: Jasprit Bumrah-led India chase history against Ben Stokes & Co.