In an era increasingly dominated by batters, bowlers risk being reduced to little more than support acts. Against this backdrop, Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about the future of India’s bowling attack, particularly the void that could emerge once Jasprit Bumrah retires.
Ashwin remains optimistic about India’s batting strength, especially in white-ball cricket. However, he believes the next generation may find bowling less appealing in a format where batters dominate the spotlight.
Bumrah, widely regarded as India’s premier fast bowler of the modern era – and by some as the greatest all-format pacers in history – has been central to India’s success. Not long ago, India boasted a formidable pace unit featuring the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj alongside Bumrah.
“The pedigree of white-ball batters that we have is something else. I have no doubts that India will go on to win quite a few white-ball trophies over the next decade. That will be from our batting,” Aswhin said.
However, he quickly pivoted to a more pressing concern: “What happens after Bumrah? He is a defining figure in this white-ball side.”
Ashwin also highlighted a deeper, structural issue in the sport.
“I am worried bowling is not as attractive as batting and kids might not take up the sport for those reasons. When I say sport, I think bowling and batting are different sports. Bowling as a sport is not attractive enough. It’s like you are entertaining people, giving those sixes. So, who would really want to think that bowling will enable us to win tournaments or series,” he said.
