Ravi Shastri Slams Siraj, Prasidh, Shardul for Not Backing Jasprit Bumrah: ‘I’m Genuinely Worried About Him’

Jasprit Bumrah ended Saturday’s play in Leeds with figures of 3/48, while the rest of the Indian bowlers failed to take a wicket, conceding 154 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah Masterclass Highlights India’s Bowling Woes at Headingley

The spotlight on bowling before the Leeds Test centered entirely on one man: Jasprit Bumrah. On Day 2, in just 13 overs, Bumrah unleashed a devastating spell, claiming all three wickets to slow England’s chase of India’s imposing first-innings total of 471. While cricket legends Ravi Shastri and Nasser Hussain lauded Bumrah’s brilliance, they also pointed out India’s bowling frailties that could worry captain Shubman Gill.

Bumrah struck early, dismissing opener Zak Crawley with an unplayable delivery in the very first over. He then removed the well-set Ben Duckett and later dismissed Joe Root for the tenth time in Tests, showcasing his lethal skill.

Though both Shastri and Hussain praised Bumrah’s performance, they noted the stark contrast in effectiveness between him and the other bowlers. Speaking after Day 2, Hussain highlighted the drop-off, pointing out that while Bumrah’s figures read 3/48, the rest of the attack went wicketless for 154 runs.

“With how unorthodox he is, they could have had more wickets if they had caught well off him,” Hussain said. “It will be a concern for India—the drop off from when Bumrah is bowling to the rest. But it is a small sample size, the others will get into the series.”

Shastri Expresses Concern Over Bumrah’s Workload as Other Bowlers Struggle

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri echoed concerns about the workload on Jasprit Bumrah during the first Test in Leeds, urging bowlers like Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna to step up. Shastri emphasized that Day 2 heightened expectations and pressure on Bumrah to consistently deliver wickets, especially as his bowling partners struggled in challenging English conditions.

“I’m really concerned about Jasprit Bumrah and what his workload will be as the series progresses, because he is the one man who is expected to pick wickets every spell he bowls. I just hope someone at the other end puts their hands up,” Shastri told Sky Cricket.

However, as Nasser Hussain pointed out, it’s still early days with a small sample size, and India can only hope that one of the other fast bowlers improves their performance as the series unfolds.

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