All is not well between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah? Pacer says 'he doesn’t need us...'

India’s stand-in skipper, Jasprit Bumrah, hailed Virat Kohli’s sensational century that played a key role in the tourists’ dominating 295-run victory against Australia in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, as they made a stellar start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Virat Kohli silenced his doubters and critics with his gritty 143-ball 100* in the second innings and showcased why he remains a key batter for the Indian cricket team. Under pressure after a lean patch and a first-innings failure, where he scored just five runs, the dashing right-hander rose to the occasion when it mattered most in the five-match Test series opener in Perth.

Jasprit Bumrah hails Virat Kohli’s match-winning century in India’s dominant victory in Perth Test against Australia

The former Indian skipper’s century not only steadied India’s innings but also ensured the tourists put Australia on the back foot in the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium.

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Kohli’s knock was a perfect follow-up to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s commanding 161 and KL Rahul’s gritty 77, with the opening pair setting a solid foundation with a 201-run partnership in Perth.

Kohli’s ability to absorb pressure at a critical juncture and guide the innings proved pivotal, allowing India to post a massive target of 522 runs for Australia to win the Perth Test, and they could make only 238 runs.

Bumrah opens up about Kohli's key role in India’s massive victory

After India took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series, Jasprit Bumrah showered praise on his former captain and batting icon, Virat Kohli. Bumrah, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his stunning bowling in the Perth Test, hailed Kohli's performance while highlighting his invaluable experience.

The stand-in skipper acknowledged that Kohli's experience helped not only his own game but also allowed others to play freely. He also expressed confidence that this knock would boost Kohli’s form for the ongoing Test series.

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The Indian speedster, who scalped eight wickets during India’s 295-run win over Australia in the Perth Test, also insisted that the batting maestro doesn’t need the team, but the Indian team really needs Virat Kohli in the team. Notably, the actions will now shift to Adelaide, where the two teams will play a Day-Night Test match from December 6.

Virat Kohli doesn't need us, it is we who need him: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah said at the post-match presser: “I have said this before: Virat Kohli doesn't need us; it is we who need Virat Kohli. He is an experienced player, his 4th or 5th tour, so he knows best what his batting and caliber are like. Sometimes when you have a career this long and you play in so many tough scenarios that he has played in, performing in every match becomes a bit difficult. But he was always looking in great space in this match.”

Bumrah signed off by saying, “Obviously he got a great delivery in the first innings, but he was still in great space, and he capitalized in the second innings. In the second innings, we needed an experienced batter who plays well himself and also allows the other batter to play freely. If at the start of the series a player like him gets some confidence, you cannot ask for anything more.”