BOOM RAH leads India to massive 295-run win in Perth Test

Jasprit Bumrah, salute the stand-in skipper for the way he plotted India’s massive 295-run win against Australia in the BGT Series opener in Perth on Monday. To knock the Aussies out in a hyped series lung opener against all odds, this is the spirit of a leader who is a fast bowler and wanted to deliver for India. Not only did Bumrah bowl like a king, where people are already comparing him with charismatic Imran Khan, the leadership skills of Bumrah are going to come in handy in the long run for Indian cricket.

Sampe this, Rohit Sharma is back in Perth, watches the boys at work from the pavilion and then goes out to bat himself. He faces pink ball at nets, as the second Test will be with that. Think of the odds stacked against India before the first Test, minus Rohit, minus and injured Shubman Gill. It was pretty similar to Gabba in 2021, where, too, India won against all predictions. In Perth, the narrative has been about batting, bowling and leadership. In a batter dominated sport, for bowlers to strike, take 20 wickets and win the Test with more than a day to spare, this was sheer joy.

One had to see the faces of Bumrah, a fired up Virat Kohi, an energetic Mohd Siraj, a fiery Harshit Rana and of course developing all-rounder Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar. This was team work, after the top job had been done by Yashasvi Jaiswal and the man for all seasons, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. The Optus in Perth had become a spooky town of sorts from Sunday itself. Few fans showed up on Monday, which is not what the Aussies are about. They are a sporting nation. But India showed they could come out firing even in the most difficult situations. The hype had been built by the Aussies on India peaking. Just that, after the loss to the Kiwis in a three-Test series, the morale was low.

With Rohit out for a short break due to paternity leave, Bumrah was waiting for his chance to lead. He was smacking his lips and the rich haul of 8 for 72 in the match is testimony to his skills and large heart.  Monday morning was easy for India before Travis Head played himself in. Aggressive and ready to score big, he had become a worry with his shots. The target was massive, yet each run Head scored was vital. That was till Bumrah returned and bowled a beauty to him with the soft ball, with Rishabh Pant doing the rest with the gloves. It was one delivery which has made people go crazy. A total beauty which has evoked comparisons with legends of fast bowling.

Bumrah showed what it is to rotate the bowlers, where he trusted the swing of Siraj, the variety of Harshit Rana, a hit-the-deck fast bowler, plus Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy. The key was to bowl in spells, keep the bowlers fresh and let them have a go at the Aussies. The kind of effort which Bumrah has put in makes him a rock star in every sense. If there are comparisons being made that he is in the same league as legend Imran Khan, nothing wrong. Fast bowlers from India and being rated so high, not heard often. Then again, for someone who has battled fitness issues, Bumrah has come back from the 2022 injury in the Birmingham Test so well. He manages himself well and that smile on his face is megawatt. Today, he showed every facet of why he is a treasure for Indian cricket. And for those who have talked of transition, the next leader is here.

To not mention the work done by coach Gautam Gambhir would be wrong. He has faced immense pressure since the time he took over. Losing an ODI series in Sri Lanka and the Test series to the Kiwis, folks said Gambhir’s job was on the line. He has planned with the team and the practice simulation sessions in Perth have helped. Gambhir will be cocky always and that’s going to increase for sure. This was difficult job in Perth where he was minus two key players. To bring the best out of the young boys and seasoned pros, the new template from Gambhir is refreshing. And to take a 1-0 lead in a five-Test series will definitely help India big time.