India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has outlined the team’s focus and mindset ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Coming off a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India will look to bounce back in the high-stakes series. Bumrah, leading the bowling attack, is also expected to captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave.
In an interview with 7Cricket, Bumrah shared the team’s mantra for success. “Self-belief matters the most in any condition. That is what we are banking on and that is the conversation we are having in our team. When you focus on yourself and focus on your preparation, then that puts you in a great position, and everything else will take care of itself,” said Bumrah.
Bumrah’s leadership and record in Australia
This series could mark Bumrah’s second time captaining India, having previously led the team against England in 2022. Known for his composure and match-winning ability, Bumrah has an impressive record in Australia, taking 32 wickets in 7 matches.
Australian batter Travis Head, speaking to Fox Cricket, praised Bumrah’s impact. “You try to feel like you’re one step ahead, but it always feels like he’s that next step. In big moments, you want big players, and I think he’s their biggest. You’ve got your work cut out as a batter,” said Head.
India’s squad for the series
With Rohit Sharma’s absence for the first Test, the squad dynamics are under scrutiny. The Indian lineup will heavily rely on experienced players like Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin to deliver. The first Test begins on November 22 in Perth.
India’s Squad:
- Main Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
- Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams aiming for dominance in the Test arena.