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There might be uncertainties looming over India’s batting lineup as they approach the T20 World Cup, concerning both form and the optimal combinations. However, amidst these uncertainties, one name stands out among the bowlers, and that’s Jasprit Bumrah. The spearhead of India’s pace attack is poised to participate in his third T20 World Cup, having been sidelined from the previous edition in Australia due to injury. If India aims to clinch the title, much of their success will hinge on Bumrah’s performance with the new ball.
Glenn McGrath, the renowned former Australian fast bowler, is widely regarded as one of the most complete pacemen in cricket history. Thus, when he offers insights, they carry significant weight. McGrath has highlighted Mitchell Starc of Australia and India’s Jasprit Bumrah as pivotal players for their respective teams. However, he’s also raised a pertinent query: who else besides Bumrah for India? While India boasts talents like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as the other frontline pacers in their 15-member squad, along with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, McGrath believes that one of them must step up to ease the burden on Bumrah.
“We saw Starc at the end of the IPL. He came into his own, which was good to see. Bumrah just seems to be the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of. So, I think if Australia is to win this World Cup, Starc has to bowl well. A lot of it relies on him. And Bumrah for India, but then it is who’s going to take wickets around Bumrah and who’s going to bowl well around him,” McGrath said at the MRF Pace Foundation ground.
During the previous T20 World Cup, Arshdeep spearheaded the Indian bowling unit, partnering with Mohammed Shami at the opening. This arrangement came about due to Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, with Shami stepping in as a replacement. However, in the subsequent two years, Mohammed Siraj’s emergence has cast a shadow over Arshdeep’s role. The left-arm pacer has found himself relegated to India’s secondary squads. Despite being a key member of India’s gold medal-winning Asia Cup squad last year, Arshdeep missed out on selections for both the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Arshdeep-Bumrah or Siraj-Bumrah?
On the other hand, Arshdeep has consistently showcased his prowess as a T20 specialist, putting him back in the reckoning. Despite Siraj’s tendency towards conceding runs, Arshdeep’s proficiency might earn him the nod as Bumrah’s opening partner. Nevertheless, whoever fills the role must deliver top-notch performances. The combination of Arshdeep and Bumrah offers India the strategic advantage of a left-arm, right-arm pairing. While it may not always be a game-changer, McGrath believes it’s a discomforting prospect for batsmen to contend with.
“You got Jasprit Bumrah. He showed just how good he is throughout the IPL (he picked 20 wickets from 13 matches for Mumbai Indians). But it is like having a left-right opening combination for batters. It also depends on how they are bowling. In T20s, you do not have much time to be ready. If you take an over or two to warm up, the game is already over. If you have got a good opening-bowling combination, that is where you are going to win matches,” the Aussie legend said.
