'Another feather in his cap' - Jasprit Bumrah praises Virat Kohli ahead of the latter's 100th Test match

Indian batting star Virat Kohli is all set and rearing to go into his 100th Test match when India take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series, which is to be played in Mohali, beginning on March 4. Amongst many who are looking forward to Kohli’s milestone Test is India’s vice-captain for the series, Jasprit Bumrah. The speedster heaped praise on his former captain, and acknowledged the hard work and dedication that Kohli has played his cricket with.

While congratulating the cricketer and terming the 100th game as a great occasion, India’s bowling spearhead expressed his desire to see Kohli continuing to contribute to India’s cause. The Delhi batter made his Test debut in 2011. He has since played 99 matches for India in the longest format of the game. Kohli would also be going into his 100th test only 38 short of 8000 Test runs. He has previously led the Indian Test side from 2014 to 2022. Notably, Bumrah also made his Test debut under the former captain back in 2018.

“It is always a special achievement for a player. You know it is a testimony to his hard work, dedication,” Bumrah said in a virtual press conference ahead of the first Test, as quoted by NDTV.

“(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. It is another feather in his (Kohli’s) cap. I just wish him the best and congratulate him for the achievement,” he added.

We are focussing on what we can control: Jasprit Bumrah on the first Test being played behind closed doors

Bumrah further went on to comment when asked if he had any special gift in store for Kohli by saying no present could be better than winning the game for the country. Notably, the first Test is to be played behind closed doors owing to the pandemic. On which Bumrah commented that it is not something the team can control. However, he did admit that it would have been good in terms of the energy if there were crowds in attendance at the game.

“See, right now we are in the frame of mind, where we are focussing on what we can control. (If) the crowds come, it is good for the energy, but that is something that we cannot control, we don’t have any power regarding that, we don’t decide the rules,” he added.