India skipper Jasprit Bumrah praised Virat Kohli. He called him a vital pillar of the team. This was after India’s 295-run win over Australia in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli’s unbeaten 100 in the second innings was key. It helped the team recover after being bowled out for just 150 in the first innings.
At the post-match press conference, Bumrah stressed Kohli’s importance to the team. He said, “Virat Kohli does not need us. We need him.”
Kohli’s Match-Winning Century
Kohli’s 30th Test century, a flawless 100*, anchored India’s innings. It set a huge target for Australia. His calmness under pressure and guidance of younger players were key to India’s dominance on Day 4.
Reflecting on Kohli’s impact, Bumrah said:
“He was in good shape. He was mentally switched on. Sometimes, as long as the career is, sometimes you bat in tough scenarios. He has always been batting in tough scenarios. So, it is always difficult to do in every match. But he was batting in a very good form and in a very good space. And obviously, he got a good delivery in the first inning. But he was still in a great space. And in the second inning, he capitalized. He needed a lot of experience at that time. So, he played with him and also made the other player play with him.”
Bumrah on the Team’s Resilience
Bumrah, despite a shaky start with the bat, credited the team’s positive mindset for their turnaround.
“When we got out for 150, no one was feeling down in the dressing room. That was the biggest positive, that attitude, you know,” – he said.
Staying Grounded Ahead of the Second Test
“We can take confidence from this game but we need to start fresh in the second Test. We need to carry forward the learnings as well to Adelaide,” – Bumrah added.
