Perth , UPDATED: Nov 22, 2024
Written By: Sunil Gavaskar
On the opening day of the much-anticipated Test series between India and Australia at Perth, we witnessed a dramatic turnaround in the Indian camp—a resurgence driven by a change in captaincy and leadership.
India batted first under challenging conditions, and as has been the case in recent times, the top order struggled. A couple of early wickets had the visitors on the back foot, and the middle order didn’t contribute much either. Crawling their way to 150, it seemed like the scars of their recent whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home were still fresh. But what followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Captain Bumrah: Aggression Redefined
Jasprit Bumrah, leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, infused an aggressive, unrelenting spirit into the team. Alongside him, the ever-passionate Virat Kohli, in his role as a leader and motivator, brought back memories of India’s golden days under his captaincy. The duo orchestrated a bowling performance that left Australia in tatters, reducing the hosts to a shocking 67/7 by the end of the day.
It wasn’t just about the wickets; it was about the intent. Bumrah’s field placements, his ability to rally his bowlers, and his attacking mindset were reminiscent of Kohli’s captaincy peak. Every ball was fought with ferocity, every wicket celebrated as if it were the match-defining moment.
Kohli’s Involvement: Shades of His Captaincy Era
Insane—that’s the word to describe how involved Kohli looked throughout the day. It was as if we had been transported back to his captaincy days when India played with an infectious energy and intensity. Under Bumrah’s captaincy, Kohli has assumed a leadership role that perfectly complements the skipper’s calm yet aggressive instincts.
Shades of the Kohli captaincy era were evident everywhere on the field. Bumrah is not repeating the Edgbaston mistake of sidelining Kohli’s invaluable on-field insights. Instead, the two are working seamlessly, with Kohli having complete control over the team’s energy while Bumrah continues to back his instincts as captain. It’s a partnership that is paying rich dividends.
This performance starkly contrasts India’s struggles under Rohit Sharma. The recent whitewash against New Zealand was not just a defeat; it was a demoralizing chapter that raised questions about the team’s direction. India, once feared for its tenacity and fight, looked listless under Rohit’s leadership.
Today, the same team looked reinvigorated. Bumrah’s calm yet aggressive demeanor combined with Kohli’s fiery presence on the field has reinjected a sense of purpose and hunger. It is a leadership style that thrives on intensity and accountability—qualities that seemed missing in recent times.
The Road Ahead?
This performance begs an important question: Should India continue with Bumrah as captain and Kohli as the on-field leader? Rohit Sharma’s absence has, ironically, been a blessing in disguise for Indian cricket. The contrast in results and approach is too stark to ignore.
Rohit’s experience and achievements as a leader in limited-overs cricket cannot be denied, but Test cricket demands a different breed of captaincy—a style that Bumrah and Kohli seem to have perfected together.
Both Bumrah and Kohli’s unmatched intensity has transformed the team’s attitude. Together, they’ve brought back a sense of pride and purpose to Indian cricket.
As India ends the day in a commanding position, one can’t help but wonder if the selectors and management need to rethink the leadership dynamics. The game isn’t over, and the series is just beginning, but the first day at Perth has shown us glimpses of what this team is capable of when led with passion, aggression, and clarity.
For now, let’s celebrate the return of the India we know and love—hungry, relentless, and utterly dominant. Whether this marks the beginning of a new leadership era or a temporary spark will be decided in the days to come. But one thing is certain: Bumrah and Kohli have given Indian fans a reason to believe again.A New Era in Leadership.
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