Adelaide, Australia – December 8: After India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the Pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, skipper Rohit Sharma praised Jasprit Bumrah’s performance while urging the rest of the bowling unit to take greater responsibility.
Australia’s emphatic victory, powered by Travis Head’s dazzling century and stellar bowling from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, propelled the hosts to the top of the WTC 2025 standings.
In the post-match press conference, Rohit emphasized the need for collective contributions from his team. “Bumrah won’t get wickets every time; others must step in. In the batting group, too, we recognize that not everyone can score runs all the time. Winning Tests or series requires every player to shoulder responsibility,” said Rohit, referencing younger players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy, who are still adapting to the Test format.
While Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj claimed four wickets each in the first innings, the relatively inexperienced Rana and Reddy managed just one wicket between them across 22 overs.
Rohit acknowledged the challenges faced by these emerging players and highlighted his role in boosting their confidence. “As a captain, it’s my job to instill assurance in the newcomers. When they step onto the field, they must feel secure and confident in their abilities.”
Bumrah, who bowled 23 overs and recorded figures of 4-61 in the first innings, remains a critical asset for India. Rohit stressed the importance of managing the workload of the star pacer to ensure his availability throughout the five-match Test series.
“I constantly check on Bumrah during his spells to assess how he’s feeling. It’s a long series, and we need him fresh for all five games. Strategic workload management is key. He can’t bowl endlessly from both ends. It’s about smart planning and decision-making,” Rohit explained.
The skipper also addressed Mohammed Siraj’s on-field aggression, particularly during a verbal exchange with Travis Head after dismissing the batter for a game-changing 140. Rohit defended Siraj’s fiery approach, calling it a source of motivation.
“Siraj thrives in the heat of battle. Aggression is part of his game, but as captain, it’s my duty to ensure it doesn’t cross the line of sportsmanship. A little intensity can inspire success, as long as it respects the spirit of cricket,” he said.
With the series level at 1-1, the focus now shifts to Brisbane, where the third Test begins on December 14. Both teams will aim to gain the upper hand in this tightly contested series.
