In a surprising turn of events, star cricketers Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah were both absent from India’s practice game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. The two Indian cricket giants played pivotal roles in India’s first Test win against Australia in Perth, securing a 295-run victory in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, their decision to skip the practice match on Sunday and focus on individual preparations has left fans and analysts alike speculating about their strategies and fitness.
Why Did Kohli and Bumrah Skip the Practice Game?
After a rain-affected first day of the practice game on Saturday, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, opted to field first on Sunday. Despite the match being an important warm-up ahead of the upcoming Test series, both Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah were noticeably absent from the playing XI. Instead, Kohli and Bumrah spent their time in the nets, working on their individual game plans for the next challenge.
Kohli, who recently ended a lean patch with a match-winning hundred in the first Test in Perth, focused on refining his front-foot play. His dedication to ensuring he remains in peak form was evident as he faced a range of Indian bowlers, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Yash Dayal. On the other hand, Bumrah, who was instrumental in India’s win in Perth, preferred to concentrate on his bowling rhythm in the nets rather than participate in the practice match.
Kohli’s Stunning Form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Virat Kohli’s performance in the first Test against Australia was nothing short of remarkable. After struggling with form in recent months, Kohli came back stronger than ever, scoring his 30th Test century during India’s dominant win in Perth. His century helped India take a commanding 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series that has historically seen some of Kohli’s finest performances.
Kohli’s hundred was especially significant as it marked his return to form after a difficult spell in which he had accumulated only 250 runs in his previous six Tests. This century was also Kohli’s seventh Test hundred on Australian soil, making him one of the few players to consistently dominate in Down Under conditions. Notably, he is now just three centuries away from breaking the record for most Test centuries in Australia, currently held by England’s Jack Hobbs with nine.
Bumrah’s Absence and Its Impact
Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s number one Test bowler, was absent from the practice game despite his key role in India’s recent victory. In Perth, Bumrah had a sensational performance, leading the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who missed the match due to the birth of his son. Bumrah’s leadership was critical, as he took a match-haul of eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in one innings. His ability to lead the attack and keep Australia’s batting lineup under pressure was one of the defining features of India’s triumph in Perth.
Bumrah’s absence from the practice match likely stems from a desire to focus on maintaining his fitness and rhythm. His exceptional performance in the first Test has elevated expectations, and he will want to ensure that he remains at the top of his game for the remainder of the series.
India’s Test Preparation Strategy
While Kohli and Bumrah’s absence from the practice game might have raised eyebrows, their decision reflects a strategic approach to preparation. By opting to skip a practice game, both players are prioritizing their personal training to fine-tune aspects of their game that could make all the difference in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
For Kohli, the focus is clearly on maintaining his recent resurgence in form. His time in the nets with Indian bowlers was aimed at ensuring that his technique remains sharp and he continues to deliver under pressure. Similarly, Bumrah’s decision to work on his bowling rhythm in the nets rather than in a practice match highlights his need to be at his absolute best for India’s next Test encounter.
The Road Ahead for India
As India heads into the next phase of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli and Bumrah’s focused preparation could prove pivotal. Both players have been instrumental in India’s recent successes in Australia, and their contributions will be crucial in securing a historic series win. The practice game in Canberra provided an opportunity for other players to step up, with Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna sharing the new ball and impressing in Bumrah’s absence.
With the Indian team in top form and players like Kohli and Bumrah diligently working on their individual preparations, the upcoming Test matches promise to be thrilling. As Kohli chases his 10th century in Australia and Bumrah continues to dominate with the ball, the stage is set for a fierce battle between India and Australia in what could be another memorable chapter of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the India vs Prime Minister’s XI practice game is a reminder of the importance of individual preparation in professional cricket. While fans may have been eager to see them in action, their decision to focus on their training indicates a level of commitment to ensuring they remain in peak form. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line, Kohli and Bumrah’s efforts in the nets could be the key to India’s success in the upcoming Tests.
