We are not carrying baggage from New Zealand series: Bumrah

India faced an unprecedented 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand

Thunderbolts on the field, measured words off it, seem to be Jasprit Bumrah’s philosophy. The Indian captain presented an optimistic view about his men’s prospects in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series commencing at the Optus Stadium here on Friday (November 22, 2024).

Speaking to sports correspondents on Thursday (November 21, 2024), Bumrah said: “We are very well prepared. We came here early, got some time at the WACA Ground, and a lot of the youngsters were coming here for the first time. When we came here for the first time as well, we got less time than this, and we still ended up winning the series.”

Slipping into the captain’s boots due to Rohit Sharma’s absence from the first Test, Bumrah is ready for the challenge: “I love the responsibility. I wanted to do the tough job ever since I was a child. Always wanted to be in the thick of things. I have a lot of faith in my instincts and gut. As for fast-bowling captains, Pat (Cummins) has done a phenomenal job, in the past for India, Kapil Dev did a fabulous job.”

Asked if he faces the conundrum of bowling captains, either under-bowling or over-bowling himself, Bumrah replied: “I look at it in a different manner. I can manage myself the best when I am the captain because I know when I am fresh when I know I have to push myself, and I know when I have to take extra responsibility. Obviously bowlers do a lot more research, and are data-driven as well, more than batters, because that’s how the game is headed.”

Bumrah expressed his delight over Mohammed Shami’s recovery process following a corrective surgery. “Shami bhai has started to play cricket. He is an integral part of this team. I am sure the management is keeping a keen eye. Hopefully, if things fall in place, you might see him here as well,” the Indian captain said.

More importantly, Bumrah stressed that the 0-3 loss in the Tests against New Zealand has been put behind: “Yes, we were disappointed but we are not carrying any baggage, we come here with a fresh mindset against a different opposition.”

Published - November 21, 2024 11:23 am IST