India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday vindicated Jasprit Bumrah's promotion as the vice-captain for the three-Test series against New Zealand, terming the lead pacer as an integral part of the leadership group who has a lot of "understanding" of the game.
Bumrah's elevation to vice-captaincy for the Test seriesa against New Zealand came as a bit of surprise as India did not have a deputy to Rohit in the recent series against Bangladesh.
The decision has been viewed as a precursor to Bumrah stepping in as India's skipper during the tour to Australia, with Rohit expected to miss the first Test due to personal reasons.
Bumrah had led India in the rescheduled Test against England in 2022 and marshalled the side in the T20I series against Ireland last year.
He 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. So, over the past, he's always been in our leadership group, said Rohit.