Perth, November 21: India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the challenging Australian conditions and the upcoming Test series. The Indian squad, fresh from a 3-0 loss against New Zealand in their recent home series, is determined to put up a strong performance down under.
The 30-year-old pacer emphasized that the team has learned valuable lessons from their first-ever home Test series whitewash in 24 years. However, he reminded everyone that playing conditions in Australia are vastly different.
“When you win, you start from zero, and when you lose, you also start from zero. We’re not carrying any baggage from India,” Bumrah said during a pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test on Friday. “Yes, we learned from the New Zealand series, but the conditions there were different, and we expect different outcomes here.”
Captaincy and Team Selection
Bumrah will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who has opted out of the first match due to personal reasons. Despite not being physically present, Rohit was involved in decision-making regarding the team’s strategies.
Shubman Gill’s availability remains uncertain following a thumb injury, leaving the playing XI open for speculation. Bumrah confirmed that the final XI has been decided but refrained from revealing details. “I spoke to Rohit, and the coach and management made it clear that I will be leading. The playing XI is finalized, and you will know it tomorrow. We have full faith in every player selected,” he added.
Preparations for Perth's Testing Conditions
The pitch at Perth's WACA ground is expected to offer pace and bounce, posing challenges for batters. Bumrah acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Kookaburra ball and the extra bounce on Australian tracks.
Indian players have utilized their time well during intra-squad match simulations to prepare for short-pitched bowling and other potential threats. “We’ve had time to adjust to these conditions. Many players are experiencing this for the first time, so we focused on preparing for the extra bounce and the distinct behavior of the Kookaburra ball,” Bumrah explained.
Opportunity for New Faces
The series marks a transitional phase for Indian cricket, with newcomers like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana joining the squad. Bumrah offered a simple yet motivating message to his team, emphasizing the importance of self-belief.
“I believe in confidence. Everyone here has played a lot of cricket. If you feel you are good enough, you can make an impact regardless of how many Tests you’ve played. It’s all about what’s going on inside you,” he said.
Reflecting on his debut experience, Bumrah added, “When I came here for the first time, I believed in myself and wanted to make an impact. No one is born with experience; you gain it by playing. If you trust yourself, that’s what matters most.”
High Stakes for India
With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, this series could be a turning point for many. India’s preparation and Bumrah’s confident leadership will be crucial as they face a strong Australian team in their own backyard. The first Test in Perth is set to be an intense start to what promises to be a gripping series.
