'Indian team not dependent on Jasprit Bumrah anymore': Ex-England spinner makes bold claim

India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah (PTI Photo)

Former England spinner Monty Panesar is unable to comprehend the commotion surrounding India pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, who missed two of the five Test matches in England. In addition, India's only two win in the series came in matches that Bumrah wasn't part of.

Panesar also made a bold claim stating that the Indian team lead by Shubman Gill has demonstrated that they are not dependent on Bumrah for success. “This Indian team does not depend on Bumrah anymore. Bumrah’s hype is absolutely massive, but let’s be honest, India have a strong bowling attack,” Panesar told Mid-Day on Monday.

“[Prasidh] Krishna is getting better and better with every Test match. I think he can open the bowling with [Mohammed] Siraj. They just need a third seamer, Akash Deep or Arshdeep Singh or someone else. Of course, Bumrah is a good bowler, but he wasn’t part of the matches that India won [in this series]. So, I don’t think they depend on him as much,” added Panesar, who took 167 wickets at an average of 34.71 for England in 50 Test matches.

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With England needing just 35 runs and India requiring four wickets on Day 5 at Oval, Siraj claimed three wickets and led India to an exciting six-run victory, which ensured a 2-2 series result.

“Siraj utilised the conditions really well. He’s a huge asset for Indian cricket. I think he leads the attack now and India need to build the attack around him,” expressed Panesar.

The former England cricketer also praised coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill. “Young captain Gill has shown tremendous leadership in this Test series. Also, Gambhir has done well under the circumstances. He’s trying to bring in his new ideas and India need to back him because he’s taking the big decisions,” Panesar said.