Follow UsCongratulating Virat Kohli, who is set to play his 100th Test in Mohali, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said that it is a testimony to the hard work he has put in over the years.
Kohli, who recently stepped down as India's captain, will take field against Sri Lanka on Friday (March 4) for his 100th Test, making him only the 12th Indian cricketer to do so.
🗣️🗣️ @imVkohli playing 100 Test matches is testimony to his hardwork and dedication towards the game: @Jaspritbumrah93 🔊#TeamIndia | #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/6yh13WWkJ3
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2022
"It is always a special achievement for a player. You know it is a testimony to his hard work, dedication," Bumrah said in an online press conference ahead of the first Test.
"...(playing) 100 Test matches for your country is a great occasion and he has contributed a lot to the success of the Indian team and will contribute a lot more in the future as well," he added.
"It is another feather in his (Kohli's) cap. I just wish him the best and congratulate him for the achievement."
Speaking about his mute celebrations after taking a wicket, Bumrah said that the responsibility bestowed upon him has taken the front seat now.
“When I was young, I used to celebrate a lot. I used to get overexcited and actually plan my celebrations. But when it comes to serious cricket, your focus is entirely on how to contribute towards the team's cause and in that process, I forget my individual celebrations,” Bumrah told reporters.
"So I try to focus on the job at hand and yes, when the game is over and the team has won then there's ample time to celebrate. So till the time my job is not done, my focus is on making the team win," said the 28-year-old.
After playing in South Africa, Ravichandran Ashwin has remained absent for the white-ball series against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home. Bumrah, who will be the vice-captain for the series, says that the off-spinner is shaping up well ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
“The test team had already come before and they were practicing, he (Ashwin) is shaping up well and I don’t know, I am not aware that there are any complaints. He (Ashwin) looked good, he looked very comfortable in training today,” Bumrah said.
Bumrah further reiterated the importance of Ashwin in the side.
“He was bowling, batting, fielding, he did everything, so I think he is shaping up really well. He plays a very important role whenever we play, so his role will be important and hopefully, there would (will) be no troubles going forward,” he added.
After completing a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series, India will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, starting with Mohali on March 4 and then a day-night Test in Bengaluru on March 12.