"I will not answer them" - Team India star's blunt response on fitness debate after Day 1 of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah downplayed concerns over his fitness after claiming a five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He asserted that his aim is to give his best in each and every game that he plays for India across formats.

Bumrah starred on Day 1 of the first Test against the Proteas in Kolkata on Friday, November 14. South Africa won the toss and batted first, but India's lead pacer claimed 5-27 in 14 overs as the visitors were bowled out for 159 in 55 overs. In reply, India went to stumps at 37-1.

Speaking at a press conference after the conclusion of the opening day's play, Bumrah emphatically dismissed all the chatter around his fitness and workload management. Responding to a query on the same, he commented:

"I try to give my best in whichever format I play. The questions are not my questions. I will not answer them. I try to play as much as I can. I try to take care of my body and I try to give my best in each and every format. That's how I have looked at my career and I'll look to do that in the future as well.

"Question and answer session, whoever wants to play, they can play. I am happy as far as I am able to contribute and try to learn new things and try to offer more to the side," the 31-year-old went on to add.

Bumrah dismissed South African openers Ryan Rickelton (23) and Aiden Markram (31) and went on to add the scalps of Tony de Zorzi (24), Simon Harmer (5) and Keshav Maharaj (0).

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"From both ends, there's pressure being created" - Bumrah reflects on five-fer in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Bumrah's five-fer in Kolkata on Saturday was his third Test five-fer at home and 16th overall in what is only his 51st match in the format for India. Reflecting on his performance, he admitted that he was very happy to pick up a five-wicket haul in India. The right-arm pacer said:

"Feels very good. Whenever you play in India, it is known that spinners will pick up a lot of wickets. So whenever you are able to make an impact with the limited overs, it always feels good. From both ends, there's pressure being created. Very happy with the performance, but job is still left in the Test match."

Playing in his 51st Test match, Bumrah has claimed 231 wickets so far. The right-arm pacer has an excellent average of 19.52, even though he is yet to claim a 10-wicket match haul.