OfPremium Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s absence has left a massive void in India’s bowling attack ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with the first Test scheduled to start in Galle on August 15. Bumrah was ruled out of the series after failing to fully recover from a left-knee injury.
As the senior pacer in an otherwise relatively inexperienced attack, Mohammed Siraj is expected to take on more responsibility in his absence. Former India spinner Murali Kartik discussed in an exclusive interview with Times Now why he thinks Siraj should take the lead in spearheading India’s speed attack while Bumrah is away. Additionally, Kartik explained why he thinks Siraj’s contribution could be vital for India given the circumstances in Sri Lanka.
Can Siraj Fill Bumrah’s Void?
Murali Kartik thinks Mohammed Siraj will have to take charge of India’s speed attack since Jasprit Bumrah is not available. Siraj’s seniority in the bowling group and his Test cricket expertise were cited by the former India spinner as important considerations. Kartik believes that the bowlers’ workload will be difficult because of Sri Lanka’s conditions. In light of the heat and humidity, he speculated that Siraj might have been handling his burden throughout the warm-up game.
“Once again, it has to be Siraj because we saw what he did in England. He didn’t look at his best; I watched a bit of the footage of the warm-up game that they had. I’m pretty sure he was easing his way back in,” Murali Kartik told Times Now in an interview arranged by Sony Sports Network.
“And you know, I was talking to a few of my friends in Sri Lanka; it is pretty warm and muggy, as it is in the rest of India as well with all the monsoons and the sun out. So it does take a lot out of a bowler, and he might have been easing himself in,” he added.
Ravindra Jadeja To Pass The Baton To Kuldeep Yadav
Kartik was clear, however, about the responsibility Siraj now faces with Bumrah unavailable. Another player who might play a significant part in India’s bowling attack, according to Kartik, is Kuldeep Yadav. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, he believes the left-arm wrist-spinner has the ability to assume more responsibilities in the spin department.
“And also for me, I think Kuldeep Yadav is the key-how he shapes up because Ravindra Jadeja is in the team, but he’s in his twilight years,” Kartik stated.
According to Kartik, the series might mark a significant change in India’s spin-bowling lineup, with Kuldeep perhaps taking on a more significant role.
“He’s been a great performer for India across formats, but right now he’s in the twilight of his career. So it’s possibly a passing of the baton, I would say, in terms of spin. And can Kuldeep Yadav be the lead bowler? We will find out,” Kartik concluded.
India’s bowling attack will surely face a major challenge in Sri Lanka due to Bumrah’s unavailability, but Kartik thinks the onus now shifts to the group’s more experienced players. His support for Siraj as the starting pacer and his focus on Kuldeep’s expanding position in the spin department highlight how crucial it is for India to find new match-winners during this transitional period. India’s final lineup may ultimately depend on the circumstances in Galle, but Kartik is certain that Siraj must take over for Bumrah.