India is all set to clash off against Australia in the first of the five-match Border Gavaskar 2024-25 Test series at the Optuis Stadium in Perth on November 22. India will be without the services of their frontline skipper Rohit Sharma who has decided to stay back and opt out of the first Test after the birth of his second child. Rohit had previously informed the BCCI of his decision to make himself available for the first Test since he understandably wanted to spend quality time with his family and celebrate the monumental occasion with them. 

In his absence, India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will fill in his shoes and lead the India side in the first Test. Bumrah has only captained India in on Test match so far which ended in a defeat against England in 2022. After being weakened by a horror Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, Bumrah is expected to have a lot of burden on his shoulders and his fans would expect noting less as India looks to make a comeback from behind.

1983 WC winning player remains hopeful of Bumrah's captaincy 

Despite having limited expereince as a skipper, former Indian and World Cup match-winning player Kirti Azad came out in support of the speedster and stressed that no player in the squad is indispensable. Although he feels that Rohit's absense is more than likely to hurt Team India in this crucial Perth Test, Kirti has immense faith in Bumrah leadership skills and expects him to deliver the best. 

"Nobody is weak or strong by one player. But yes, Rohit, beiing the captain, has led from the front, he will be missed."

Currently aging 30, Bumrah will have to play a balancing act as he will need to manage the dual responsibilities of performing as a frontline seamer and the team's captain in Rohit's absense. Moreover, Kirti also lauds Bumrah's exceptional bowling skills and considers him as one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. 

"I would say that yes, he's a sensible player. That's why he's got so many wickets. He's one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. I'm sure he'll captain well."

Build up to the Perth Test

Rohit's poor show with the bat in recent times has been a cause for concern. Apart from the Bangladesh Test series, Rohit's numbers paint an alarming picture. the 37-year-old only managed 91 runs across three Tests against New Zealand at an average of less than 30.

On the other hand, Bumrah has been amongst the wickets off late and has been in destructive form in the Bangladesh Test series where he regularly knocked off the poles of the Bangladeshi batters. However, the 30-year-old went off colour and experienced a rare rough patch against the Black Caps at home where he only managed three wickets in the two Tests.  

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