Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was seen at Mumbai Airport on Monday, November 11, as he departed for Australia in preparation for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 30-year-old last featured in India’s home Test series against New Zealand, playing in the first two matches and taking three wickets before missing the final Test due to a viral illness.
Meanwhile, India suffered a disappointing 3-0 series loss to the Black Caps, with several key moments failing to go in their favor. On Monday, Bumrah was spotted signing autographs for fans as he headed to Australia to join the Indian squad ahead of the BGT. You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1856005046615371802?s=46
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Virat Kohli was the first player to reach Australia, having been seen at Mumbai Airport on Saturday, November 9. The initial group of players, including Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, also departed for Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain India in the first Test if Rohit Sharma is unavailable
There is uncertainty over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test, which is scheduled to start on November 22 in Perth. Reports suggest that the 37-year-old may miss the match due to the birth of his second child.
“Yes, Rohit is not traveling with the team, but don’t rule him out of the first Test as yet. He may end up flying to Australia later third week, closer to the first Test,” TOI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
In a pre-departure press conference on Monday, coach Gautam Gambhir discussed the matter and stated (via TOI):
“Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth.”
Bumrah has an impressive Test record in Australia, having taken 32 wickets in seven matches, including one five-wicket haul.
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