India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout performer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 12 wickets in the first two Tests against Australia. As the leading wicket-taker of the series, Bumrah has showcased his dominance, but the lack of consistent support from the other Indian bowlers has raised concerns.

Harshit Rana showed promise in Perth, and Mohammed Siraj stepped up in Adelaide, but both have room for improvement, according to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Sunil Gavaskar, reflecting on the performances so far, praised Harshit’s effort in the first Test but acknowledged his struggles in the Day-Night encounter.

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Mohammed Siraj, while effective, has yet to deliver the match-defining spells expected of him. Gavaskar emphasized that Bumrah could not carry the entire burden of India’s bowling attack alone and called for the other bowlers to rise to the occasion ahead of the crucial Gabba Test.

“Mohammed Siraj has been a good foil, but he needs to start getting those five-wicket hauls,” Sunil Gavaskar noted while speaking to Star Sports. “If he can break partnerships and take two or three wickets consistently, it will significantly ease the pressure on Bumrah. Harshit Rana bowled impressively in Perth but lost his rhythm in Adelaide. Hopefully, he has learned from the experience and can contribute more effectively at the Gabba.”

Sunil Gavaskar also stressed the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload, suggesting that effective contributions from Siraj and Harshit could allow Bumrah to bowl in shorter, sharper bursts to maximize his impact.

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With the series finely poised at 1-1, the Gabba Test holds immense significance. The team that emerges victorious will gain a crucial lead in their quest to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final, raising the stakes for the match starting December 14.