Bumrah Shoulders India’s Bowling Burden, Embraces Leadership Role Amid Transition
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead and vice-captain, has been the standout performer in the ongoing Test series against Australia. Despite being India’s lone consistent threat with the ball, the 31-year-old remains unfazed by his heavy workload and is focused on leading by example.
Bumrah currently tops the wicket charts in the five-Test series with 18 dismissals from five innings, despite limited support from his bowling partners. In the ongoing third Test in Brisbane, Bumrah delivered a remarkable performance, claiming 6-76 in Australia’s first innings. However, his fellow pacers Mohammed Siraj (2-97) and Akash Deep (1-95) struggled, as centurions Travis Head and Steve Smith propelled Australia to 445.
Speaking after India ended a rain-affected Day 3 on a precarious 51-4, Bumrah emphasized the importance of unity within the team. “We don’t want to get into that mindset where we’re pointing fingers at each other,” he said. “As a bowling unit, we are in transition, and it’s my job to help others.”
The world’s top-ranked Test bowler acknowledged his responsibility to mentor younger teammates like Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy. “A lot of new players have come into the side, so we have to be considerate and give them the cushion to learn,” Bumrah said. “Nobody is born with all the experience or skills. You keep learning and getting better.”
Reflecting on India’s current challenges, Bumrah compared the present situation to their last tour of Australia, noting the team’s transitional phase. Despite the pressure, he remains optimistic, focusing on building partnerships and batting long when play resumes on Tuesday.
With opener KL Rahul (33) and skipper Rohit Sharma yet to make an impact in their second innings, India faces an uphill battle to prevent Australia from taking a 2-1 lead in the series. “The idea now is to bat as long as possible,” Bumrah said, acknowledging the disruptions caused by rain but urging resilience.
India’s fightback on Day 4 will hinge on their ability to withstand Australia’s relentless bowling attack and forge crucial partnerships to stay in contention in the series.
