Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024/25: Did You Know THESE Bowlers Served as India’s Test Captains Before Bumrah?

From legends to surprises: The bowlers who led India in Tests before Bumrah

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah once again donned the skipper’s hat at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This marks Bumrah’s third match as Test captain. His leadership has been promising, with one win and one draw in his first two games. His win came in the recent Perth Test, stepping in for Rohit Sharma, who took a break for personal reasons. Bumrah’s debut as captain also brought India the result it desired. Currently, Bumrah is ruling the Australian pitches, leading the wicket charts with 30 scalps.

A brief history of bowler captains

While Bumrah’s stint as captain is notable, he isn’t the first Indian bowler to lead the side. Historically, spinners have dominated the role, with Kapil Dev being the rare exception among pacers. These bowlers brought unique leadership styles, blending their skills with the ball and tactical acumen to guide the team. From Ghulam Ahmed’s beginnings to Anil Kumble’s impactful tenure, each bowler left a legacy.

Ghulam Ahmed: The pioneering spinner

Ghulam Ahmed was the first Indian bowler to captain the Test side. Between 1955 and 1958, he led India in three matches, one against New Zealand and two against the dominant West Indies. Though his captaincy yielded just a draw against New Zealand, his skills as an off-spinner shone brightly. Over 22 Tests, Ahmed claimed 68 wickets at an impressive average of 30.17, including four five-wicket hauls and a 10-wicket match haul.

Bishan Singh Bedi: Leadership and grit

Bishan Singh Bedi, a member of India’s famed spin quartet, captained the team in 22 matches from 1975 to 1979. Under his leadership, India secured six wins but suffered 11 losses. Notable victories included two wins during the 1977-78 Australia tour and one against the West Indies in 1975-76. A master of left-arm spin, Bedi claimed 266 wickets in 67 Tests at an average of 28.71, with 14 five-wicket hauls and a 10-wicket match performance.

Kapil Dev: A legendary all-rounder

Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, led the Test side in 34 matches from 1982 to 1987. While his Test captaincy record showed limited success with just four wins, Kapil’s leadership was marked by resilience. His most notable achievement was a 2-0 series victory in England in 1986. As a bowler, Kapil was a powerhouse, taking 434 wickets in 131 Tests, alongside scoring over 5,000 runs in his illustrious career.

Srinivas Venkataraghavan: The unsung leader

Srinivas Venkataraghavan, another member of India’s spin quartet, captained the team in five matches from 1974 to 1979. Unfortunately, his tenure did not yield a single victory, with one loss each to West Indies and England and three draws in England. Despite limited leadership success, his contribution as an off-spinner remains significant, with 156 wickets in 57 Tests at an average of 36.11.

Anil Kumble: The last bowling captain before Bumrah

Before Jasprit Bumrah, Anil Kumble was the last Indian bowler to captain the Test side. From 2007 to 2008, Kumble led India in 14 matches, winning three, losing five, and drawing six. His most memorable win as captain came in the 2007-08 Perth Test following the Monkeygate scandal. Kumble’s legacy as a bowler is unparalleled, with 619 wickets in 132 Tests, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in the format.

Bowlers leading the way

Indian cricket history shows that bowlers have taken charge at crucial moments. While success as captains varied, these players left an indelible mark with their individual brilliance. From Ghulam Ahmed’s pioneering role to Jasprit Bumrah’s current leadership, bowlers have shown they can excel under pressure. Bumrah now joins the ranks of legends, carrying forward the legacy of bowlers who have led India on the field with distinction.