Credits: BCCI/X
Former India cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Cheteshwar Pujara and Deep Dasgupta spoke about Indian team's bowling attack ahead of the third BGT Test. Sunil Gavaskar spoke on Team India’s heavy reliance on pacer Jasprit Bumrah to lead the bowling attack. He told Star Sports, “Yes, to a great extent. You've got to say that. Mohammed Siraj is a good foil, but he has to start getting five wickets in an innings. Otherwise, the load is being picked up mainly by Jasprit Bumrah. But if Siraj can pick up two, three wickets, keep on breaking partnerships, then he certainly helps Jasprit Bumrah."
He added, "Harshit Rana, the newcomer, bowled impressively in Perth, wasn't as impressive in the second game at Adelaide. Maybe he just couldn't find his rhythm, therefore was not bowling the length that he should have, or the line that he should have. But hopefully he will have learned. And then that makes it easy. It takes the load off Bumrah. Bumrah can then come in, in short bursts of four or five overs, and be much more effective.”
Not only him, but former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh spoke on who the spinner will be in the third test of the BGT series. He said “If we have to play a spinner, I think Team India will look back at Washington Sundar. Because he played well in Perth and his bowling was also good. He has performed very well in front of New Zealand also. So, he must have felt confident too.”
There is no need to change: Piyush Chawla, Pujara and Dasgupta on Indian bowling attack
Piyush Chawla spoke on Ashwin’s performance in the second test. He said “The way Ashwin has played in the second test match, he kept them in check. He played very well. He conceded 50 runs in 18 overs and took one wicket. So, there is no need to change. Because after losing one test match, if you think so much about it, it becomes difficult.”
One of the greatest Indian Tet Cheteshwar Pujara also shared his insights and opined whether Washington Sundar or Ashwin would be the primary spinner for the third test. He said “There can be only one change. Washington can replace Ashwin if they want to strengthen their batting. There is no comparison in bowling. Ashwin is a very good bowler. But if they want a little more strength in batting, they can play Washington.”
Deep Dasgupta shared his opinion on the need for consistency in the Team India line-up as the series progresses. He said “Washington in the first test match and Ashwin in the second test match. Is there a need for so many changes? I don't think there is a need. They have done it. They brought Ashwin in the second test match. But don't do it again. If you want to get the best out of the player, you have to give him security. And I think, in that sense, I would like to continue with Ashwin in this test match.” (With inputs from press release)
