Jasprit Bumrah is hoping his ascension to Indian captain can help inspire a new wave of fast-bowling leaders.
Filling in for long-term skipper Rohit Sharma for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy at Optus Stadium, Bumrah will go head-to-head with Pat Cummins in a rare battle of bowling leaders.
It will be Bumrah's second Test as captain after he filled in for Sharma against England back in 2021.
Sharma is expected to return for the second Test in Adelaide, but with the opening batter coming towards the end of his decorated career Bumrah shapes as the long-term successor.
Well-spoken and respected by his teammates, Bumrah was picked over former captain and Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
If he does get the nod long-term, the 30-year-old would become India's first genuine quick to be captain, with the legendary Kapil Dev considered an allrounder.
"I don't know what has happened in the past, but I obviously have been a fan of bowlers, and fast bowling, that is why I picked being a bowler," the 30-year-old said on Thursday.
"Physically it's a lot more draining to bowl, but tactically, bowlers are quite smart as well.
"Hopefully the start of a new tradition, and many more players will follow that."
Bumrah was the first Indian player to face the media since the squad arrived in Australia 10 days ago.
The world's No.3 ranked Test bowler confidently handled the press pack like a professional in a sign the Indian team could be more stable than their mysterious preparation seemed to indicate.
"I love responsibility," Bumrah said.
"I wanted to do the tough job since I was a child.
"There's no greater honour than this, and as a child I always wanted to play this format.
"Very few number of players have played Test cricket for India, and captains are even less so.
"I'm very privileged and very happy to be in this position."
Cummins became Australia's first full-time bowling captain three years ago, leading his country back to the top of the Test rankings.
In Australia's previous Test back in March against New Zealand, Cummins faced off with fellow fast bowler Tim Southee, who has since handed over the captaincy to batter Tom Latham.
Cummins applauded the move to give Bumrah the Indian captaincy.
"I don't think it really changes too much, but it's one of those rare things," Cummins said.
"Looking forward to seeing from hopefully the change room, how he (Bumrah) goes about his work out there.
"But as a fan of fast bowling, it's always good to see."
