December 23, 2024: Cheteshwar Pujara’s comments on India’s bowling attack during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series have sparked some insightful discussion, particularly regarding the team’s ability to consistently take 20 wickets in a Test match. Pujara, a seasoned player with a keen eye for the game, acknowledged the struggles of India’s bowling unit, especially in comparison to their batting.
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His concern centers around the supporting bowlers, particularly the lack of depth beyond Jasprit Bumrah, who has been exceptional in the series with 21 wickets at an impressive average of 10.90. While Bumrah has been the standout pacer, the reliance on him and the other seamers, without sufficient support from the spinners or other bowlers, seems to be a key issue for the Indian team.
Pujara’s comments also point to the tough decision regarding team combinations, especially with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitesh Kumar serving as support bowlers in roles that are critical but not as effective as Bumrah’s. He notes that with R. Ashwin’s absence from the playing XI and concerns over fielding two spinners in Melbourne’s conditions, the team needs to rethink its approach to bolstering the bowling unit.
For India to secure victories in Test matches, Pujara stresses the need for bowlers who can consistently take 20 wickets, a requirement for any team to win a Test series. The lack of support from the fourth and fifth seamers, he points out, leaves a gap that must be addressed, and finding that balance in the bowling attack is a pressing concern moving forward in the series.
With the series currently tied 1-1 and the Boxing Day Test set to begin in Melbourne, Pujara’s insights add weight to the discussion on how India can strengthen its bowling attack to seize the advantage and finish strong in this crucial series.
