“He’s Right On Top”: Suryakumar Yadav Backs Jasprit Bumrah To Perform In AUS T20Is

Suryakumar Yadav stressed the importance of powerplay overs and lauded Jasprit Bumrah’s experience ahead of India’s T20I series against Australia.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday said that the powerplay overs will play a vital role in the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Australia, starting in Canberra on Wednesday. He also stated that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s presence would significantly strengthen India’s chances during that crucial phase of the game.

Suryakumar noted that Bumrah’s ability to deliver in pressure situations makes him an invaluable asset to the team, particularly against Australia’s attacking approach.

“Yes, it is always a challenge, we have seen how they (Australia) played in the ODI series and also in the T20 World Cup. Power play is always important,” Suryakumar said in the pre-series press conference.

“You saw in the Asia Cup, he (Bumrah) took the responsibility of bowling 2 overs minimum in the power play, so it is good that he is raising his hand, acting as if he is that guy who will take charge. It is going to be a good challenge definitely against the Aussie team in the power play.”

The 31-year-old Bumrah is the most experienced player in the Indian T20I squad when it comes to playing in Australian conditions. Suryakumar said his lead pacer knows how to prepare himself for a strong series and guide others in the squad.

“The way he (Bumrah) has played his cricket for the last so many years, he has kept himself right on the top, and he knows how to prepare for a good series, he knows how to come and play cricket here.

“I think he has visited this country the most from all the guys, so all of the players have spoken to him, he is very open and very helpful in that. Definitely when he takes the ground it will be a good thing, good to have him in the squad, when we play in Australia.”

Suryakumar also provided an update on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the third ODI against Australia due to a quadriceps injury. The skipper hinted that Reddy could return to action for the T20I series.

“I think he is doing fine. Yesterday he did some bit of running, batting also in the nets. Today he wanted to take a break as it was an optional practice but we came to the ground because we had a team meeting and he wanted to stay with the group because T20 is new team, all the guys have come in, so he looks good.”

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Continuation of T20 World Cup Build-up

Suryakumar mentioned that the team views the T20I series against Australia as part of their ongoing preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.

“There is not much change in combination, because last time when we went to South Africa, we played with one fast bowler, one all-rounder and three spinners. The conditions are similar, bouncy tracks,” he added.

The Indian captain’s focus on powerplay dominance and squad balance underlines India’s intent to fine-tune their plans ahead of the global event as Jasprit Bumrah will continue to be a mainstay of the bowling lineup.

Last Updated on October 28, 2025