Perth Test: 'Don't want to jinx him,' Bumrah plays down Kohli's poor form, says he's 'ready for Aus challenge'

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 edition's commencement, India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah has played down concerns regarding Virat Kohli's poor run of form. Kohli has scored only two Test tons since 2020 and had a disastrous run in India's home season, ending with only 191 runs at 21.33 with a solitary fifty. Thus, there are concerns around his form. However, Bumrah feels Kohli is highly confident ahead of the Australia Test series opener and will come good Down Under.

Talking to the press ahead of the Perth Test, which gets underway on Friday (Nov 22), Bumrah said, "I don't have to say anything about Virat Kohli, the batter. He is one of the greats of the game. I don't need to give him any special input. He is the utmost professional. He is one of the leaders. I made my debut under him. He knows what he is doing. Okay, one or two series, here and there, can up and down."

"But, the confidence he has at this moment, I have no doubts about how he has prepared. He is looking to contribute. The signs are ominous, I don't want to jinx it by saying anything else, but he is looking in very good shape,." he added.

Notably, Kohli has an exceptional record in Tests in Australia. In 13 Tests, the former Indian captain has 1,352 runs at an impressive average of 54.08, including six hundreds and four half-centuries.Thus, the 36-year-old will be confident of turning the tides in his favour in the Australia series.

India are without regular captain Rohit Sharma (due to paternity leave) for the five-match Test series opener in Perth. Bumrah-led India will hope for a winning start after being whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match series at home, in October.