Japrit Bumrah will lead the first test against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Summary: Jasprit Bumrah will captain the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the first test against Australia.

Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the first test against Australia in Perth after the birth of his second child. The Indian team will be led by vice captain Jasprit Bumrah in his place starting Friday, November 22, in the series opener at Optus Stadium in Perth. 

After more than 29 months, the 30-year-old pacer is finally getting the opportunity to captain the team once more. He made his red-ball captaincy debut against England on July 1, 2022.

Bumrah spoke confidently ahead of the series at a press conference held at the Optus Stadium on Thursday, stating that the team is ready for the difficult task of the five-match Test series.

He said, "We are prepared. We came in early and trained at the WACA. When we came here for the first time, we did well so the onus is on the youngsters to take up the responsibility as well."

About Virat Kohli, whose batting form has been poor in the last test matches, he said, "I don't need to give Kohli any inputs; I debuted under him. One series can go up and down, but he remains confident."

Bumrah, who led the team in the first Test without Rohit Sharma, stated, "When I came here, the coach and management gave me clarity that I would be leading the side. I am looking forward to the responsibility (captaincy); I have done it before and am looking forward to the moment."

After losing to New Zealand 0-3 at home, India arrived in Australia, but Bumrah was optimistic that they would defeat Pat Cummins & Co.

Bumrah said, “The beauty of cricket is that if you win or lose, you start from zero. We have to take lessons from the New Zealand series but can't carry baggage; conditions were different, and here you had different results."

He also mentions the playing XI for the first test: "We have finalized our playing XI and you will get to know tomorrow morning before the start of the match."

It is quite uncommon for fast bowlers to captain both sides in the first test. Bumrah pointed out that bowlers may be more tactically proficient and backed the concept of them leading teams.

"I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well.