Jasprit Bumrah Set To Lead India Against Australia In Perth Test As Rohit Sharma Misses Opener

Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead Team India for the fourth time in his career. The pace bowler will stand in for Rohit Sharma during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. This decision comes as Rohit will miss the match due to personal reasons.

Bumrah, who serves as vice-captain, will take charge in Rohit's absence for the five-match series starting on November 22. Previously, Bumrah captained India in a Test against England in 2022 when Rohit was unavailable due to Covid-19.

In addition to his Test captaincy experience, Bumrah has also led India in T20Is. He captained the team during their tour of Ireland in 2023, where Hardik Pandya was rested. Under Bumrah's leadership, India secured two victories on that tour.

Facing him will be Australia's Pat Cummins, who has been at the helm for 28 Tests. Cummins has guided Australia to 17 wins, with six losses and five draws during his tenure as captain.

The decision for Bumrah to lead was confirmed by head coach Gautam Gambhir before the team departed for Australia. "Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth," Gambhir stated during a press conference held last week.

Rohit stayed back in India for personal reasons but plans to join the squad ahead of the second Test in Adelaide starting December 4. His absence is due to the birth of his second child with wife Ritika on November 15.

Upcoming Matches

Rohit will return for the second Test and participate in a two-day pink-ball warm-up game against Australia's Prime Minister's XI. This match precedes the second Test of this prestigious series.

Bumrah's leadership role marks another significant moment in his career as he steps up against a formidable Australian side led by Cummins. The upcoming matches promise intense competition between these two cricketing nations.