‘Jasprit Bumrah does not have a good pace bowling partner’ – Basit Ali points out India’s fast bowling struggles

Jasprit Bumrah. (Source – BCCI)

India suffered an eight-wicket disappointing defeat against New Zealand in the first Test of their 2024 series in Bengaluru. This was New Zealand’s first victory in the format India since 1988. After losing the series opener, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali spoke about India’s bowling strategy and its implications for future tours.

India’s dominating home record – they are unbeaten in Test series for over 12 years – recieved a setback on a seamer-friendly Bengaluru wicket. The absence of Mohammed Shami, along with Mohammed Siraj’s struggle for form, highlighted a potential weakness in India’s bowling attack even as Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance stood out in an otherwise disappointing match for India. Ali praised Bumrah’s eight-over spell but emphasised the need for a suitable bowling partner.

“The eight-over spell that Bumrah bowled reminded me of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. But India need to take into consideration that they will need two pace bowlers alongside him when they go to Australia. At the moment, he (Bumrah) does not have a good pace bowling partner. Shami getting fit before the Australia tour will be crucial for India,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

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This defeat has come as an eye-opener for Gautam Gambhir: Basit Ali

The outcome of Bengaluru Test was attributed by many to India’s misreading of the pitch, as they opted for two seamers and three spinners in overcast conditions in addition to opting to bat first. This decision backfired, leading to their lowest-ever Test score of 46 all-out in the first innings.

Despite a sound fightback, as they posted 462 in the second innings, India could not stop the Kiwis, who comfortably chased down 107 to take a crucial lead in the three-match series. Ali also pointed out the pressure on KL Rahul and the challenges faced by the new coach Gautam Gambhir.

“Now that India has lost a Test, all the guns will be pointed at KL Rahul. Let’s see how Gautam Gambhir tackles this. Rahul Dravid tackled it very well. Ahead of the Australia tour, this defeat has come as an eye-opener for Gautam Gambhir,” added Ali.

India have pace options in Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna as traveling reserves. As India prepare for the remaining two Tests ahead of the Australia tour, addressing the pace bowling partnership issue has become a point of discussion.