High on winning spree, India are gearing up for the first Test against Sri Lanka which is scheduled to start from March 4 at Punjab Cricket Association Ground in Mohali which is also touted as Virat Kohli’s 100th Test match.
In a press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, the newly recruited India's vice-captain Jasprit was asked about Virat's historical 100th Test match. Bumrah said that Virat has contributed a lot for India and will continue to do so.
"It is always a special achievement for a player to play 100 Tests. Virat has contributed a lot for this team & will continue to do so. It is another feather on his cap and I would like to congratulate Kohli – It is a testimony of his hard work," Bumrah said on Tuesday (March1).
Earlier, PCA treasurer RP Singla on Saturday confirmed that fans won't be allowed to watch the first Test against Sri Lanka from the iconic stadium in Mohali. Singla said the decision has been taken in accordance with a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bumrah on being asked about the unavailability of fans in the Mohali Test he said," It’s a big day for Virat Kohli – the focus is to winning the game for India – crowds are good for energy but it’s not in our control”.
India's prime speedster was also asked about the fast bowlers who are seen taking responsibility to spearhead a team to which Bumrah said that it doesn't matter to him whether the bowler is a spinner or a speedster as far as captaincy is concerned.
"Look, it doesn't matter to me whether a captain is a spinner or a fast bowler. Whoever does it, it's a responsibility to bear. I don't care about the position here. The one who does well seeing the conditions is a better captain. Being a vice-captain, I am here to assist captain Rohit Sharma to the best of my capabilities and make things easier for him," Bumrah said.
On being asked about Ravichandran Ashwin's fitness, Bumrah said that the spinner is shaping well and looking good for the first Test match.
“Ashwin is shaping well, he is batting, bowling and fielding – looking good for the first Test," the 28-year-old concluded.
Bumrah also revealed the reason behind his minimal celebration after taking wickets.
“When I was small I used to celebrate a lot, I even used to plan my celebrations but when you play at this level I look to focus on the job and when the team wins only then I celebrate,” he said.
India's Test squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Md. Shami, Md. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Saurabh Kumar.
