India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah received his maiden Test cap ahead of the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, on Friday. Skipper Virat Kohli presented Bumrah his Test cap and took a bold selection decision, playing three quicks, a bowling all-rounder and leaving Ajinkya Rahane for a tough challenge. Bumrah has been brilliant with the ball in limited overs format, which made him earn his Test cap from skipper Kohli in Cape Town. The seamer has proven his worth and a maiden call-up in the Test format is a proud moment for the young lad. (LIVE IND vs RSA CRICKET SCORE)
Watch: Bumrah receives his Test cap from captain Kohli
Earlier, the 24-year-old Gujarati lad has expressed his excitement ahead of his Test debut, saying "Such a great feeling to wear these whites! #awaited #SAvsIND #headshots".
India are playing South Africa for three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is. Bumrah was included in the playing XI for the Test, underway at Newlands, Cape Town.
While Bumrah was picked, Rahane and opener KL Rahul were left out. Besides Bumrah, India's bowling department comprises of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and lone spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Skipper Kohli's bold selection decision was appreciated by many on Day 1 after paver Bhuvnehwar claimed three wickets early.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjhrekar hailed Kohli's decision, saying: "Virat is a massive believer in current form. You see that in the team that he has picked up for the first Test. Rohit in Rahane out, Bumrah in, all based on that philosophy. #INDvSA."
"Bumrah to debut?? Whoa....part of a three-seamer combo or as a 4th seamer? #SAvIND," former India batsman Aakash Chopra tweeted.
India are coming into this series following some successful performances at home, which saw the routing of Sri Lanka across all formats.
