Gavaskar Highlights India's Dependence on Bumrah in Bowling Attack

New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar asserts that the present Test squad is notably dependent on fast-bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah to spearhead their bowling strategy.

Bumrah stands as the top wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, having claimed 12 wickets across two matches. However, he has not received substantial support from his fellow fast bowlers – Mohammed Siraj has taken nine wickets, while Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have recorded five and two wickets, respectively.

"Yes, to a considerable extent. It must be acknowledged. Mohammed Siraj is a competent partner, yet he needs to aim for five wickets in an innings. Otherwise, the primary burden rests on Jasprit Bumrah.

"If Siraj can secure two or three wickets and disrupt partnerships, he significantly aids Bumrah. Harshit Rana, the newcomer, performed well in Perth but struggled in the second match at Adelaide.

"Perhaps he was unable to find his rhythm, which affected his length and line. Hopefully, he will have gained experience. When he does, it alleviates some pressure from Bumrah. This allows Bumrah to bowl in shorter bursts of four or five overs, enhancing his effectiveness," Gavaskar conveyed to Star Sports.

Regarding India's spinner selection for the third Test commencing on December 14 in Brisbane, the former off-spinner suggested that Washington Sundar should be considered, following Ravichandran Ashwin's underwhelming performance in the second game in Adelaide, where he managed just one wicket of Mitchell Marsh and contributed little with the bat.

"If a spinner is required, I believe the Indian team will revisit Washington Sundar. He demonstrated strong performance in Perth and his bowling was effective. He has also excelled against New Zealand, so he must feel confident," he added.

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara concurred with Harbhajan’s opinion, stating, "Only a single change is necessary. Washington can substitute Ashwin if they aim to bolster their batting. There is no comparison in bowling; Ashwin is a remarkable bowler. But for enhanced batting strength, Washington could be included."

Conversely, veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that Ashwin should retain his spot for the Brisbane Test. "Given Ashwin's performance in the second Test match, where he kept the opposition at bay, he should remain. He allowed only 50 runs in 18 overs while taking one wicket, so a change is unnecessary. Overthinking changes after a loss complicates matters," he commented.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta stressed the need for consistency in the Indian team's lineup. "Washington in the first Test and Ashwin in the second – is there a necessity for such frequent changes? I think not.

"They made the switch by bringing in Ashwin for the second Test. However, they should avoid repeating this. To maximize a player's potential, security is essential. Therefore, I would prefer to stick with Ashwin for this Test match."