Former India pacer and current head coach of Gujarat Titans, Ashish Nehra, praised Jasprit Bumrah for his outstanding performance in leading India to a 295-run victory against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah, serving as the stand-in skipper in the absence of Rohit Sharma, showcased a masterclass with the ball by picking up eight wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award.

During the Perth Test, which coincided with the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Nehra humorously suggested that even an auction purse of INR 520 crore would not have been enough if Bumrah had been part of the auction pool. Prior to the auction, Mumbai Indians announced Bumrah as their first retention.

Rishabh Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore, Shreyas Iyer was picked up by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore, and Venkatesh Iyer returned to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 23.75 crore at the mega auction.

Nehra commended Bumrah for his leadership in the Perth Test, emphasizing his ability to perform under pressure and lead the team effectively. Despite India being bowled out for 150 in the first innings, Bumrah’s five-wicket haul helped them gain a crucial lead.

Reflecting on the win, Nehra expressed hope for the team to maintain the momentum and continue their success in future matches. He highlighted the unpredictability of cricket and the team’s resilience in bouncing back from previous setbacks.

Overall, Nehra’s admiration for Bumrah’s performance and leadership, coupled with his lighthearted comments on the IPL auction, showcased the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding Indian cricket.

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