India captain for the first Test of the BGT 2024 (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) in Perth, Jasprit Bumrah talked about the team’s preparation, Virat Kohli, and the possibility of pacer Mohammad Shami joining the squad down under.
Bumrah spoke at a press conference at Optus Stadium on Thursday, exuding confidence ahead of the series, stating the team is ready for the difficult challenge of the five-match test series.
Bumrah said, "We are prepared. We came in early and trained at the WACA. When we came here for the first time, we did well so the onus is on the youngsters to take up the responsibility as well."
He was also asked about Virat Kohli and his confidence given that he scored just 91 runs in 3 innings in a recent Test series against New Zealand India lost 0-3.
Throwing his weight behind former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who is battling poor form, Bumrah said, "I don't need to give Kohli any inputs, made my debut under him. One series can go up and down, but he remains confident."
Leading the side in the first Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah said, "When I came here, coach and management gave me clarity that I will be leading the side. I am looking forward to the responsibility (captaincy), I have done it before and looking forward to the moment."
Jasprit Bumrah also spoke about the possibility of pacer Mohammad Shami joining the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami recently returned to competitive cricket after one year due to ankle surgery and then recovery and rehab.
He picked 7 wickets for Bengal against MP in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 bowling a lot of overs in the match. Reports have stated that Indian team management wants to see Shami prove his fitness in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy before they make a call on his inclusion in the Indian team.
“Shami bhai has started to play cricket, and obviously, he is an integral part of this team. I'm sure the management is also keeping a keen eye (on him). Hopefully, things fall in place and you might see him here as well,” Bumrah stated.
On India's playing XI for the first Test, Bumrah said, "We have finalized our playing XI and you will get to know tomorrow morning before the start of the match."
On what to expect from the Perth pitch, Bumrah said, "We knew it was going to be a spicy wicket and we have prepared according to that."
Bumrah, who had previously captained India in the rescheduled 2022 Test against England at Edgbaston, a match they lost by 7 wickets, called for fast bowlers to be captains.
"I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat (Cummins) has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and a lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully a start of a new tradition," Bumrah said.
(ANI/PTI inputs)
