Is the Lack of Variety in India’s Bowling Attack a Cause for Concern?

New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) Former India head coach Greg Chappell argues that, beyond the disappointing fielding performance in their five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley, it was the insufficient variety in the bowling lineup that raised greater concerns for him.

During the Headingley match, Bumrah posted impressive match figures of 5-140 from 43.4 overs, with all five wickets taken in the first innings. He was the standout performer, as other seamers – Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna – combined for figures of 9-482 in 92 overs.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, serving as the sole spin option, recorded 0-68 and 1-104 in the two innings.

"While the fielding at Headingley was disappointing, it wasn't the primary reason for India's defeat. Many issues were self-inflicted, with the no-ball that gifted Harry Brook an early life in the second innings being particularly costly.

“My greater concern lies in the lack of variety in the bowling attack. Other than Jasprit Bumrah, our seamers are too similar – all right-arm, medium-fast, and operating at similar angles. There's a reason wickets often fall after a bowling change; it forces batters to recalibrate. Unfortunately, Shubman Gill lacks this variability with the current lineup,” Chappell expressed in his recent column for ESPNCricinfo.

He further suggested that if India hopes to rebound in the second Test at Edgbaston, commencing on July 2, they should consider incorporating left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for a more balanced team composition.

“In the absence of Bumrah, I would propose adding left-armer Arshdeep Singh and including Kuldeep Yadav, potentially the best wrist-spinner since Shane Warne, in the attack.

“Jadeja is not a front-line spinner in English conditions. If his batting is deemed strong enough, he can serve as a support spinner; otherwise, a reassessment is needed. To turn around their fortunes in this series, a better-balanced team is essential,” Chappell concluded.

He emphasized that the Indian bowling lineup must maintain discipline in their lines and lengths, while the top six batters should be trusted. “Even with Bumrah available, the remaining attack needs to showcase more discipline. I didn’t observe two consecutive deliveries land in a threatening area. They were either too full, too short, or too wide.

“Bowlers must collaborate in partnerships just like batters do. Currently, all England needs to do is see off Bumrah, knowing that the pressure will ease along with him. I disagree with the notion of selecting an extra batter who bowls as a safeguard against top-order collapses.

“The top six should be trusted to score runs, ensuring that the best combination for securing the necessary 20 wickets is at the captain’s disposal. The selectors now find themselves under pressure. If batters and bowlers are expected to take risks to score runs and claim wickets, they must also have the courage to make bold decisions,” he concluded.