BGT2024-25:“If you keep poking..” Rohit Sharma opens up on Bumrah-Konstas verbal fued!
Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian captain Rohit Sharma weighed in on the on-field altercation between Jasprit Bumrah and Australian opener Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the Sydney Test, calling the banter "unnecessary" and urging players to focus on cricket. The feud between Bumrah and Konstas has been brewing since the Melbourne Test, where the young opener aggressively attacked the Indian spearhead. Bumrah, however, had the last laugh in the second innings at the MCG, dismissing Konstas with a peach of a delivery.
The rivalry reignited during the Sydney Test, with tempers flaring in the final over of Day 1. After dismissing Usman Khawaja, Bumrah appeared to taunt the 19-year-old Konstas, escalating the tension. Speaking to Star Sports, Rohit addressed the incident and backed his players, emphasizing their calm demeanor despite provocations from opponents.
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"Our boys, till they're calm, will remain calm. If you keep poking them, not everyone is going to remain calm," Rohit remarked. "Cricket khelo, yeh faaltu ke cheeze, bol bachchan karna, shobha nahi dete (Play cricket; these meaningless things and unnecessary banter don’t suit you). Our boys are classy. We focus on what our job is and work towards it."
Rohit’s comments came after Bumrah’s stellar performance on Day 1, where he not only kept the Australian batters in check but also made a statement by dismissing Khawaja. Rohit further lauded Bumrah’s impact, praising the pacer’s growth and leadership.
"The way he (Bumrah) sets standards with the ball, he is absolute class," Rohit said. "When I saw him for the first time in 2013, his graph has gone really high ever since and has gone from strength to strength."
Meanwhile, Konstas’ stint at the crease on Day 2 was short-lived, as he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj for 23 runs. The young Australian’s inability to capitalize on his starts has added another layer of intrigue to his duel with Bumrah.
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As the series progresses, the Bumrah-Konstas rivalry is shaping up to be one of the key narratives, but Rohit’s message is clear: focus on the game and let the performances do the talking.
