"I didn't see him out of form at all" - Jasprit Bumrah on Virat Kohli's sublime start to BGT 2024-25 in Perth amid scrutiny
Team India skipper Jasprit Bumrah was not surprised by Virat Kohli's commanding ton in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-24 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The ace batter played a huge hand with his unbeaten 100 in the second innings as the visitors thrashed the Aussies by 295 runs to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.
Kohli's worrisome red-ball numbers were among the biggest focal points during the build-up to the series. A poor home season, coupled with three single-digit scores in a row led to several believe that the upcoming assignment could be make or break for the former captain.
The concern escalated after Josh Hazlewood dismissed him for just five runs in the first innings, with extra bounce being the culprit. However, the second time around, Kohli availed the opportunity to bat when the wicket had eased him. He made the most of the opportunity to build a start, and then convert it into his long-awaited 30th ton in the longest format.
"I didn't see him out of form at all. On challenging wickets it's hard to judge if a batsman is in form. He was looking good in the nets," Bumrah said of Kohli during the post-match presentation after the win in Perth.
Kohli scored a sublime ton during India's previous trip to Perth in 2018. On that occasion, his contribution had come in a losing cause.
The triumph in the first Test marks India's first win at Perth since 2008. It also ends Australia's invincible run at the Optus Stadium.
"I told the guys to follow the process and have faith in their abilities" - Jasprit Bumrah
Initially named as vice-captain for the series, Bumrah had a huge task following Rohit Sharma's unavailability for the first Test. A late injury to Shubman Gill also complicated matters, leading to the inclusion of inexperienced members in the playing XI.
Team India were considered to be on the back foot after being blown out for 150 in the first innings. However, they issued the perfect response by putting up an inspired bowling display led by Jasprit Bumrah to claim a lead.
"We were put under pressure and then came back strongly. Very happy with their response. You know I played here in 2018 I remembered that the wicket starts off soft and then gets quicker. This one was just a little less spicy. I told the guys to follow the process and have faith in their abilities so on a given day experience does matter but it is how you perform on the day," Bumrah added.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards. The encounter will be a pink ball Test, with India set to play a two-day practice encounter against the Prime Minister's XI from November 30 onwards.