Recently we saw, Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins leading their side in the Test format for their respective nations. Patt Cummins is the first bowler since Richie Benaud in 1964 to captain Australia.

We usually don't find fast bowlers captaining their side in cricket.

Let's look at other Test- playing nations. In Asia, India are led by Rohit Sharma, Pakistan by Babar Azam, Bangladesh by Shakib Al Hasan and sometimes Mominul Haque and Sri Lanka by Dimuth Karunaratne, all top order batters.

England is led by all-rounder Ben Stokes, New Zealand by Kane Williamson, South Africa is led by yet another Top order batter Deal Elgar and West Indies by Kraigg Braithwaite. It's a rare thing in cricket a bowler as skipper.

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Barrying Anil Kumble and Bishan Singh Bedi, India haven't had many specialist bowlers as captains over a period of time with Bumrah breaking this culture recently.

Among the several fast bowling icons produced by the West Indies till the 90s, only Courtney Walsh went on to become captain for their side.

Why pacers not preferred as captain ?

To understand it in a better way, let's go back to the history. Actually, there was a discrimination done to the bowlers. The roof of this discrimination against bowlers can be found in the old distinctions between Gentlemen and Players that existed in English cricket right up untill 1962.

Gentlemen were amateurs, playing for the thrill and of sufficient personal wealth although expenses were still paid for travel. The professionals or Players, were those most individuals who used to run their livelihood. Generally speaking, Players were bowlers and lower class, while the Gentlemen were batters and of the educated middle or upper class.

Pacer skippers over a decade

Although there have been some notable names in the past few decades. Shaun Pollock (South Africa), Kapil Dev (India), Imran Khan (Pakistan) and Jason Holder, Darren Sammy (West Indies). However, these gentlemen were all-rounders. Talking about 9 test playing nations, Since 1975, 167 players have led their side and among them just 14 were bowlers.

One of the main reason behind a bowler not leading his side is because they are more susceptible to injury. But, a captain who is able to bowl can surely benefit to the team. No one understands the game better than a bowler. There should be more and more bowlers captaining a side in near future and especially fast bowlers. The culture must change.