‘We Need Him’: Bumrah Hails Kohli After Record-Breaking Victory in Perth

Perth [Australia], November 25 – Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah lauded Virat Kohli’s century and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161-run knock following India’s dominant 295-run win against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and marked one of their most significant overseas triumphs.

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Bumrah on Kohli: “We Need Him”

Virat Kohli roared back into form with a brilliant 100 not out in the second innings, breaking a 500-day Test century drought. Speaking about Kohli’s contribution, Bumrah emphasized the value of his experience.

“I have said this before, Virat Kohli does not need us, we need him. He is an experienced player. This is his fourth or fifth tour. So he knows his cricket better than anyone else,” Bumrah said at the post-match press conference.

Bumrah added that Kohli’s mindset was strong despite a soft dismissal in the first innings:
“He looked to be in a good space and obviously, he got a good delivery in the first innings, but he capitalized in the second innings. We needed an experienced batter then. He also played well and helped his partners play well. When he gets confidence at the start of the series, you cannot ask for more than that.”

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Jaiswal: Bumrah’s Pick for Player of the Match

While Kohli’s century was pivotal, Bumrah revealed his personal Player of the Match pick to be debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose 161-run knock in the second innings set the stage for India’s massive victory.

“Because it is his first Test, he batted against his nature in the second innings and adapted for the change. That is why I was saying that this is the best Test knock I have seen. Going against your natural game so early in your career is commendable. He will become a great batsman in the future,” Bumrah said.

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Praise for Debutants Reddy and Rana

Bumrah also applauded debutants Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana for their fearless attitude and hunger to contribute.

“It did not feel like it was their first time playing in Australia or their first match. They wanted responsibility. That is a very positive sign for our team. They are not afraid and have a strong desire to learn,” Bumrah remarked.

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Looking Ahead to Adelaide

The second Test, a day-night affair in Adelaide with the pink ball, presents different challenges. Bumrah urged the team to carry confidence from Perth while starting afresh.

“You have to start from zero. You have to build on from confidence and take the learnings from this game. We are going to take it in our stride and put our best foot forward,” Bumrah said.

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Credits for KL Rahul’s Steady Contributions

Bumrah also praised KL Rahul for his composed knocks of 26 and 77, which provided stability in India’s innings.

“He looked very composed. He gave us a lot of time, played his shots, and delivered an ideal Test innings. I am very happy with it,” Bumrah added.

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A Memorable Win in Perth

India’s victory in Perth was a complete team effort, with key performances from Bumrah, Jaiswal, and Kohli. As the team heads to Adelaide, they aim to carry forward the momentum and maintain their dominance in the series.