India's stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, hinted at Mohammed Shami's return in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), which starts on Friday. With regular captain Rohit Sharma unavailable due to paternity leave, vice-captain Bumrah has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the side in Perth in the first Test. Rohit will be back before the start of the second Test.
Shami, who was the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup last year, has been sidelined from cricket for almost a year due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in February this year before starting rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Bengal pacer recently returned to action in the Ranji Trophy, taking seven wickets across both innings en route to his side's victory against Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking on the eve of the first Test against Australia, Bumrah said that the management is keeping a close watch on the veteran India pacer.
“Shami has been an integral part, and the management is keeping a close eye,” he said, adding, “If everything goes well, you might see him here as well.”
Several reports in the media have indicated that Shami might be flown to Australia in the middle of BGT. With Bumrah's statement now, there's hope that it will happen, which would further strengthen India's pacer attack.
India are coming into the series after being whitewashed 0-3 by New Zealand at home. Bumrah said the Indian team will start from zero and do not carry any baggage of the previous series.
“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 New Zealand series, but those were different conditions, and our results here have been different," he said.
Notably, this will be the second time Bumrah will lead India in a Test match. The 30-year-old stated the responsibility is an 'honour' and that he will lead the team in his own style.
“It is an honour. 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,” he added.
“I wanted to do the tough job since I was a child. So, you always want to be in the thick of things, you want to be thrown against tough scenarios. So, this is one of them as well. This adds a new challenge to me.”
Bumrah also said that the team has finalised its playing XI, although he will reveal it only at the toss.
“We have finalised our playing XI, and you will get to know tomorrow morning before the start of the match,” the skipper said.
