(Image source from: Twitter.com/ICC)

Renowned Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah confirmed on Thursday that he will captain India in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Speaking to reporters in Perth during the pre-match press conference, the 30-year-old stated that he will take over the leadership role in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is yet to arrive in Australia due to the birth of his second child. Bumrah said he spoke to Rohit and received clarity about the captaincy from the team's coach Gautam Gambhir and management upon his arrival in Australia. The star pacer also mentioned that the playing XI for the Perth Test has been decided, but he will unveil the team during the toss on Friday.

The pacer is confident about the combination of players India will field for the upcoming cricket matches. He mentioned that Mohammed Shami, who has been an integral part of the team, has started playing again, and the team management is closely monitoring his progress. Shami's last Test appearance for India was in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, but he had to miss several subsequent series due to injury and fitness concerns.