Fri Nov 22 01:08:50 UTC 2024: ## Bumrah Urged to Stick to Strengths Amidst Captaincy Debut
**Nagpur, India** – Former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri has advised stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah to remain focused on his strengths and avoid overcompensating under pressure during the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Bumrah is leading the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence due to the birth of his child.
Shastri acknowledged the intense pressure Bumrah will face, noting Australia’s tendency to target the opposing captain. “The Aussies prefer to attack the leadership,” Shastri stated. “The pressure will be on Bumrah.”
However, Shastri expressed confidence in Bumrah’s maturity and abilities. “Bumrah is a mature and competitive cricketer… the best fast bowler in the world right now,” he said, adding that Bumrah shouldn’t let the captaincy affect his bowling style. “He shouldn’t overtry due to captaincy pressure. If he sticks to his strengths…he’ll be fine.”
India enters the series on the back foot following a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, ending a 12-year unbeaten streak at home. The team also faces the setback of losing top-order batsman Shubman Gill to a thumb fracture.
First Piper 