Ind vs NZ: Bumrah always part of leadership group - Rohit on rumours of captaincy takeover for Perth Test

Ahead of the New Zealand Test series opener, on Wednesday (Oct 16) in Bengaluru, India captain Rohit Sharma addressed the rumours surrounding hiscaptaincy takeover for the first Test versus Australia, in the upcoming five-match Test series Down Under, in Perth. It is being reported that Rohit might miss the Australia series opener, due to personal reasons, and, thus, Bumrah can lead the side in his absence. The pacer is the vice-captain for the home series versus the Kiwis. Rohit stated that Bumrah has a good head on his shoulder and is someone who understands the game well.

'When you are in a situation where you need a leader to step up, I think Bumrah will be one of them'

Rohit said during the pre-match press conference, for the Bengaluru Test, on Tuesday (Oct 15), "Bumrah has played a lot of cricket. I have played a lot of cricket with him. He understands the game pretty well. He has got a good head on his shoulder. Tactically, I can't say much, because he has not captained much. He has captained one Test and a couple of Tests. But, when you talk to him, he understands the game, understands what is required. When you are in a situation where you need a leader to step up, I think Bumrah will be one of them."

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Hitman added, "He has always been in our leadership group – whether it is speaking to the young bowlers or taking the lead to discuss about how to move forward. He is experienced as well. It's probably the right thing to have him around and speak to the bowlers and internally discuss how to take the team forward."

At present, Rohit is focused on leading India in the three-match Test series versus the Black Caps. Soon after, India's Test team will leave for Australia for five Tests. As per reports, the veteran batterconveyed to the chief selector Ajit Agarkar and top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he could miss the Perth Test, starting November 22, due to personal reasons.The 37-year-old is reportedly dealing with a personal matter, and he might opt outif the issue persists. However, BCCI isyet to receive an official confirmation from him.