India's Virat Kohli participates in a practice session at the Optus Stadium in Perth. — AFP
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah emphasized on Thursday that India is not burdened by their Test series whitewash against New Zealand and cautioned Australia that star batsman Virat Kohli appears 'ominous'. India is set to face Australia in the first of five Tests starting Friday in Perth, following their first home series loss in 12 years. However, fast bowler Bumrah, who will lead the team as Rohit Sharma stayed back due to the birth of his second child, stated that they are solely focused on the future.
With Rohit absent, KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran are likely to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while there are concerns about Shubman Gill who injured his thumb. Kohli is guaranteed a spot, but faces increasing scrutiny after scoring only two Test centuries in the past five years and averaging just 15 against New Zealand. Despite indications that one of the world's top batsmen might be past his prime at 36, Bumrah warned against underestimating Kohli.
Kohli boasts an impressive record in Australia, averaging 54.08. 'He is one of the greats of the game,' Bumrah said. 'He's the utmost professional in our team. He's achieved a lot. Sure, there might be a series or two with ups and downs, but the confidence he has right now, I have no doubts. He's ready to contribute, and the way I've seen him at training... the signs are ominous.'
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