‘The load is being picked up mainly by Jasprit Bumrah’ - Sunil Gavaskar analyses India’s bowling unit ahead of Gabba Test

Star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has clinched 12 wickets in the first two matches against Australia. He is currently the leading wicket-taker of the series but unfortunately, Bumrah has been a lone wolf. Harshit Rana supported him well in the first Test in Perth while Mohammed Siraj did his best in Adelaide, but there’s room for improvement as legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar suggested. 

The 75-year-old noted that Harshit bowled impressively in Perth but failed to find his rhythm in the Day-Night Test. Siraj, on the other hand, did well but Gavaskar wants him to be more consistent and start picking up five-wicket hauls. He noted that Bumrah is currently carrying the bowling unit and wants some support for him for India to be more effective against Australia in the upcoming Test at Gabba.

“Yes, to a great extent. You've got to say that. Mohammed Siraj is a good foil, but he has to start getting five wickets in an innings. Otherwise, the load is being picked up mainly by Jasprit Bumrah. But if Siraj can pick up two, three wickets, keep on breaking partnerships, then he certainly helps Jasprit Bumrah. Harshit Rana, the newcomer, bowled impressively in Perth, wasn't as impressive in the second game at Adelaide,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Also Read - India will have to play their best cricket at the Gabba to win the series: Harbhajan Singh

“Maybe he just couldn't find his rhythm, therefore, was not bowling the length that he should have, or the line that he should have. But hopefully, he will have learned. And then that makes it easy. It takes the load off Bumrah. Bumrah can then come in, in short bursts of four or five overs, and be much more effective,” he added.

The series is currently poised at 1-1 and the winner of the Gabba Test will gain an extremely valuable lead in their fight to qualify for the World Test Championship finale.