Following India’s squad selection for the home series against West Indies, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could have been rested for the series, while giving a chance to a new fast bowler to play, since the country needs a pool of eight to nine good fast bowlers in long-term.
Bumrah’s selection was one of the major talking points of the squad selection for the home WI Tests. Bumrah played just three out of five Tests on the tour of England and took 14 wickets with two five-wicket hauls. But during the fourth Test at Manchester, he struggled with his fitness and delivered his worst-ever Test figures of 2/112. During the ongoing Asia Cup, he has not been at his most elite, with five scalps in four matches at an average of 22.00, an economy rate of 7.33 and best figures of 2/18. Bumrah’s workload will be a major concern, as the series is scheduled to start on October 2, just over a week after India plays the Asia Cup final on September 28.
On his YouTube channel, Pathan said that while Bumrah’s committment to Test cricket is fantastic, he would have picked up a young fast bowler an opportunity if he was a selector. ‘
“It seems like a missed opportunity not to play a young fast bowler in these two Tests, but that’s the team’s current direction. If I were a selector or manager, I would have surely tried to give a young fast bowler an opportunity, focusing on their development, not just quick results. Bumrah remains committed to Test cricket, which is fantastic,” he said.
Pathan said that Bumrah’s workload management was great during the Indian tour, and India has a great chance to continue doing so in Indian conditions, as spinners primarily dominate.
“Still, it’s good that Bumrah maintains Test cricket as his priority. Selectors could have utilised this series to give proper rest to Bumrah and groom a young fast bowler, something India must prioritise for long-term vision. India needs a group of eight good fast bowlers, not just three or four,” he added.
