Jasprit Bumrah Hints at Mohammed Shami’s Comeback for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener
As India gears up for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) starting Friday, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah has hinted at the potential return of seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami.
With regular captain Rohit Sharma on paternity leave for the first Test, Bumrah will lead the team in Perth. Rohit is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the second Test.
Shami’s Comeback on the Horizon
Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier bowlers, has been out of action for nearly a year following an ankle injury that required surgery in February.
After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami marked his return to competitive cricket with an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy. Representing Bengal, he took seven wickets in a match-winning effort against Madhya Pradesh.
Acknowledging Shami’s value to the team, Bumrah said during a press interaction, “Shami has been an integral part, and the management is keeping a close eye. If everything goes well, you might see him here as well.”
Media reports have fueled speculation that Shami may join the Indian squad midway through the series, a move that could significantly enhance India’s pace attack.
A Fresh Start After New Zealand Setback
India approaches the BGT after a disappointing 0-3 whitewash by New Zealand in their last home series. However, Bumrah emphasized that the team is starting with a clean slate and is not weighed down by past performances.
“When you win, you start from zero, but when you lose, then also you start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage from India. Yes, we have our learnings from the New Zealand series, but those were different conditions, and our results here have been different,” he remarked.
This series marks the second time Bumrah will captain India in a Test match. Reflecting on the opportunity, he called the role an “honor” and expressed his intent to lead the team in his unique style.
“It is an honor. I have my own style. Virat (Kohli) was different, Rohit was different. And I have my own way. It is a privilege. I don’t take it as a position. I love taking responsibility,” Bumrah explained.
He further added, “I’ve always wanted to take on challenges. This is a new challenge for me, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Team Selection and Bowling Concerns
Bumrah confirmed that the playing XI for the first Test has been finalized but stated that it will only be revealed at the toss. “We have finalized our playing XI, and you will get to know tomorrow morning before the start of the match,” he said.
India’s bowling lineup is under scrutiny, with concerns about the lack of experience in Australian conditions. Mohammed Siraj’s inconsistent form and Shami’s absence have left the team reliant on younger pacers like Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna.
While these bowlers possess potential, their limited exposure to Test cricket in Australia may pose challenges.
Shami’s absence has been a significant blow to India’s preparations. Known for his ability to extract reverse swing and bowl incisive spells, he has been a crucial asset in overseas conditions.
His strong performance in the Ranji Trophy has reignited hopes of his return, with Bumrah’s remarks reinforcing expectations that Shami might join the squad during the series.
Following his successful Ranji Trophy outing, Shami has also been included in Bengal’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, signaling his readiness for international cricket.
High Stakes for India
The BGT holds immense significance for both teams, but India enters the series as underdogs. Australia, playing in familiar conditions, is widely considered the favorite.
However, the Indian team has shown resilience in the past and will look to challenge Australia’s dominance.
Bumrah, leading in Rohit Sharma’s absence, brings his own brand of leadership, which could inspire the team. Meanwhile, Shami’s possible inclusion in the squad could provide the much-needed experience and skill to India’s bowling attack.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on how India navigates the challenges of playing against a formidable Australian side. Bumrah’s leadership, combined with the team’s collective effort, could shape the narrative of this high-stakes contest.
