Former India player Irfan Pathan has slammed Mohammed Siraj for his inability to become the main bowler as the speedster Jasprit Bumrah will play three Tests in England. He also wants the team management to throw the pacer into the lion’s den to see whether he can bowl well. However, he failed to do well to support Bumrah in the opening
Test of the five-match series, claiming two wickets as India lost by five wickets as well.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel: “Now the situation for Gautam Gambhir is that you’ve to go ahead with youngsters. It’s a challenge because the previous regime went forward with a different mindset. Whether you want it or not, you don’t have experienced bowlers. Prasidh Krishna – 4 Tests, Akash Deep – 7 Tests, Arshdeep is yet to make his debut.”
“Mohammed Siraj is yet to become your lead bowler. If he’ll bowl, then he’ll become your lead bowler for that he has to dive deep into the ocean. He has to face the waves then only we’ll know how much potential he has. Unless he does it, you won’t know,” he further added.
READ HERE: Jasprit Bumrah Opens Up On Dropped Catches Against England
Citing England pace bowler Chris Woakes’ example, the veteran also shared how Mohammed Shami might face difficulty in doing well instantly whenever he returns after a lengthy injury layoff.
He continued: “Are we ready to play without Bumrah and Shami? Look, Shami will return after injury because it’s not easy. Chris Woakes came back after injury in the first Test. He needs time to get back into the rhythm. He took just one wicket. Everyone takes time, Shami will also take time.”
Irfan Pathan also backed India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, to turn things around for India, especially in grooming fast bowlers as well, which Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid failed during their coaching tenures as well.
“The situation is that you have to move forward and prepare without Bumrah. Gautam Gambhir is a coach who can handle criticism. When KKR had no titles, he became captain. He chose players and gave them opportunities. Sunil Narine, Andre Russell. Other players also came along. Bisla performed exceedingly well in the final. They backed Yusuf Pathan regularly, and they became champions under Gambhir’s regime,” he added.
READ HERE: “He is like a computer” – Steven Finn hails Jasprit Bumrah after his fifer on Day 3
“One thing was there he used to face criticism as a leader, the same thing applies here. If Shubman Gill makes a mistake, he’ll be able to handle it in the press or wherever possible. He brings stability. You make mistakes as a youngster, and I’ll see what to do off the field. Fast bowlers will benefit, but for that, they need to play regularly,” he stated again.
“I think we have to adapt to playing without Bumrah. When he’s fit and available, he should play, but the more we play young fast bowlers and give them stability, then only we can grow the team and the players. Otherwise, it will get tough. Hopefully, the selectors and management will go in the right direction, which we might witness going forward,” Irfan Pathan concluded.
