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Concerns Over Bowling Variety

New Delhi, June 30: Former head coach of the Indian cricket team, Greg Chappell, has expressed that the team's lackluster fielding during their five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley was overshadowed by a more pressing issue: the uniformity in their bowling lineup.

In the match at Headingley, Jasprit Bumrah stood out with impressive figures of 5-140 across 43.4 overs, claiming all five wickets in the first innings. In contrast, the other seam bowlers—Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna—combined for a disappointing 9-482 in 92 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja, the sole spinner in the squad, had figures of 0-68 and 1-104 in both innings, further highlighting the bowling attack's shortcomings.

Chappell noted, "While the fielding was disappointing, it wasn't the primary reason for India's defeat. Many issues were self-inflicted, with the no-ball that allowed Harry Brook a reprieve in the second innings being particularly costly."

He emphasized the need for more diversity in the bowling attack, stating, "Other than Bumrah, the seamers are too similar—right-arm, medium-fast bowlers with comparable angles. This lack of variation means that batters like Shubman Gill face a predictable challenge."

Looking ahead to the second Test at Edgbaston, starting July 2, Chappell suggested that India should consider including left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to enhance their bowling balance.

“In Bumrah's absence, I would advocate for the inclusion of left-armer Arshdeep Singh alongside Kuldeep Yadav, who is arguably the finest wrist-spinner since Shane Warne,” he remarked.

Chappell also pointed out that Jadeja may not be effective as a primary spinner in English conditions, suggesting he could serve as a support bowler if his batting holds up, or else a reassessment of the team composition is necessary.

He concluded by stressing the importance of discipline in the bowling unit and trusting the top six batters to perform. "Even with Bumrah, the rest of the attack needs to be more consistent. I didn't observe two consecutive deliveries land in threatening areas; they were either too full, too short, or too wide," he stated.

“Bowlers need to collaborate as much as batters do. Currently, England only needs to handle Bumrah, and they know the pressure will ease once he is off the field. I disagree with the notion of selecting an extra batter who bowls as a safety net against top-order failures. The top six must be relied upon to score runs, ensuring the captain has the best combination to secure the necessary 20 wickets. The selectors are now under scrutiny. If batters and bowlers must take risks to achieve runs and wickets, they too must be bold in their decisions,” he concluded.