Former Indian coach expresses worry over Bumrah’s workload, calls for support from other bowlers
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, applauded Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional performance but expressed concern over the lack of support from the other fast bowlers on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley against England.
In an interview with Sky Cricket after Saturday’s play, Shastri didn’t hold back while discussing the Indian bowling attack. He acknowledged Bumrah’s excellence in seam bowling but pointed out the noticeable gap in quality between him and the other pacers Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
Shastri mentioned, “The gap in quality is significant. The real concern is Bumrah and how his workload will be managed as the series goes on, since he’s the key bowler, who is expected to take wickets in every spell.”
Bumrah concluded the day with figures of 3 for 48 from 13 overs, capturing all three wickets to fall. Meanwhile, the other bowlers struggled, conceding 154 runs without claiming a wicket.
India had a strong start, with their batters pushing the score from 324-2 overnight to 430-3. However, a dramatic collapse saw the final seven wickets fall for just 41 runs, ending the innings at 471. England fought back thanks to a resilient, unbeaten century from Ollie Pope, closing the day at 209-3, still trailing by 262 runs.
Shastri’s concerns go beyond this match, stressing the immense pressure on Bumrah to consistently deliver while his teammates are unable to create breakthroughs. With a long series ahead, India’s chances could depend on whether the rest of the fast bowlers can step up and find their form.
“India will be relying on one of the other fast bowlers to step up and perform for the team,” he added,
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