Here's why Jasprit Bumrah was named vice-captain for South Africa ODI series

In a rather surprising development, the BCCI named star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as the new vice-captain of the ODI team for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series against the South African cricket team. 

The Indian cricket team and the South African cricket team are currently playing an ICC World Test Championship series. The first Test of the series happened at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, where the Indian cricket team registered a historic win. 

Soon after the Test match ended, the BCCI declared the team for the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series against the South African cricket team. Like all other series in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, the ODI series between the Indian cricket team and the South African cricket team will feature 3 matches. 

Before the Indian cricket team’s departure to South Africa, the BCCI issued a press release, where they named Rohit Sharma as the new captain of the Indian ODI team. Rohit took over the reins of the team from Virat Kohli and was all set to lead the Indian cricket team in the series against the South African cricket team. 

Rohit Sharma got injured and KL Rahul was named the new captain 

Rohit Sharma suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the entire South African tour. In his absence, the BCCI named KL Rahul as the new captain and Jasprit Bumrah the vice-captain. 

Some fans are surprised that Bumrah was named the vice-captain, but here’s what a BCCI official privy to the development told PTI: 

“The selectors wanted to reward Jassi (Bumrah’s nickname) for his consistency as well as cricket brain. That’s why he was picked ahead of Pant and Iyer.”

It will be interesting to see how Jasprit Bumrah will perform in his new role.