Captaincy was fun, enjoyed taking up responsibility: Bumrah

The three-match T20I series between Ireland and India came to an anti-climactic end as the final game was completely washed out due to rain, but the series, nevertheless, marked a successful comeback to international cricket for Jasprit Bumrah, who’d spent the best part of the previous year recovering from a back stress fracture.

The series was a successful one in more than one way for Bumrah as apart from firing on all cylinders with the ball — 4 wickets @ E.R 4.87 — he also led the team admirably, registering his first series win as skipper. 

Named Player of the Series for his efforts with the ball, Bumrah, the stand-in skipper for team India, revealed that he really enjoys the responsibility that comes with captaincy.

“An honour to lead the side, everyone was very eager and enthusiastic. Makes my job easier when players are so confident, and they tell me what to do,” Bumrah said post the washed-out third T20I.

“Whenever you get an opportunity to lead your side, anyone would love to do that. As a cricketer, you always want responsibility.”

The third T20I was washed out without a single ball being bowled, and Bumrah admitted that he was taken aback by the unpredictability of the Irish weather.

“Frustrating when you're waiting for a game to happen. Did not see this coming, weather was fine in the morning,” he said.

This series, in truth, was a glorified fitness test for Bumrah in lead-up to the Asia Cup and the World Cup and the 29-year-old asserted that he felt ‘really good’ across the first two games, where he bowled eight overs.

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling, meanwhile, claimed that there were plenty of positives for his side from the series, but rued the team’s lack of ability to ‘finish games off’.

“Just periods of good cricket from us in patches. Lot of positives, but it's about finishing those games off. Hopefully we'll take these learnings,” Stirling said.

With Ireland having failed to make it to the 50-over World Cup in India, Stirling asserted that his side, moving forward, will continue to build towards the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“Would've been good to get a game today and give few fresh faces a chance. Journey towards T20 World Cup continues. Its a build up for 10 months."

While India will next play in the Asia Cup, Ireland are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against England, starting September 20th.