Why is Jasprit Bumrah so crucial for India in Tests?
India have a number of talented fast bowlers in their arsenal currently, with one of them being Jasprit Bumrah. While he has cemented himself as the best bowler in the limited-overs format, especially in ODIs, he has been making an impact in Test cricket of late as well. Meanwhile, former Indian pacer Chetan Sharma explained the value of Bumrah in the longest format.
Chetan said that considering a talent like Bumrah, he should not be wasted for Tests in India and the selectors should consider resting him, besides utilizing him the utmost during overseas tours. "There's a reason why he's the best bowler in the world now, we shouldn't test him in these conditions at all," Chetan said in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times.
"World Test Championship is going on and Bumrah is very important for India's plans. There's no need to prove it to the world that Bumrah can take wickets on Indian pitches. Ultimately, we need to win and earn points," Chetan further opined.
Chetan also feels that India are no longer stuck in a generation where they relied on a single pacer, like Kapil Dev, besides stating that they have one of the best bowling attacks in the world. "We have Bhuvneshwar, Shami, Ishant, Navdeep is also there, so give them chances. Bumrah should be called only when it's absolutely necessary," continued Chetan.
"The team management should asses the conditions, play spinners and rest Bumrah. Ultimately India need to win Test matches and on Indian tracks, it doesn't matter whether Ashwin takes wickets or Kuldeep or Bumrah," he suggested.
Meanwhile, Bumrah has been ruled out of the Test series with a minor stress fracture in his lower back. He has been replaced by Umesh Yadav. Notably, Bumrah made his Test debut in South Africa in 2018. Since then, he has played just 12 Tests and has claimed 62 wickets at a fine average of 19.2, including five fifers, all away from home.
