Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan applauded Jasprit Bumrah’s new-ball spell on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa, especially the way in which he managed to outfox Aiden Markram. The extra bounce dismantled the Proteas’ opening batter for 31 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, November 14 as well.

“The way Bumrah beat Markram with extra bounce, that too on an Indian pitch, was remarkable. He dismissed such a batter that is used to playing on bouncy wickets in South Africa, and is used to bounce. The batters were only looking to survive against Bumrah today,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “Just as it was looking like Sudharsan was settling in at No.3 after that 87-run knock, Washington Sundar has been given the chance there. It is not as if the team management are doing random things, all of this is being done after a lot of thought, and they are moving forward with it. Soon, we will we know whether this is the right approach or not.”

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However, Team India played with six bowling options in the first Test, out of which four were spinners. They included all spin bowling options in the side, with the existing trio of Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Axar Patel after almost two years as well.

“India, playing 4 spinners for the first time since 2012, showed what they are thinking. The rationale behind it, as far as I am concerned, is that if they want to make it to the WTC Final, then you have to be used to playing on different pitches, and there if one of your batters can be a bowling option, then you have more options to pursue. Now whether it is right or wrong, only time will tell,” Irfan Pathan concluded.