Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has offered some crucial advice to the new Test captain, Shubman Gill, regarding the optimal utilization of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which commences on June 20 in Leeds. With the series marking the beginning of India's World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, Ganguly's insights aim to guide Gill in managing Bumrah's workload effectively to keep him fit and firing throughout the series.
Ganguly emphasized that Bumrah's performance will be key to India's success in England, and it is crucial for Gill to use him smartly. He cautioned against over-bowling Bumrah, stressing the importance of using him as a wicket-taker in short spells to ensure his fitness for all five Test matches. Ganguly suggested that Gill should not allow Bumrah to bowl more than 12-13 overs a day, urging the other bowlers in the team to step up and share the workload. He specifically mentioned young Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, highlighting Siraj's tremendous fitness and ability as a "warhorse." Ganguly believes that India needs four fast bowlers in the squad, and the others need to support Bumrah.
Ganguly's advice stems from concerns about Bumrah's workload management in recent times. The premier pacer has been a pillar of the Indian team, but his workload has led to injuries, as seen during the tour of Australia where he sustained an injury that sidelined him for several months. To prevent a recurrence, Ganguly suggested that the team management might even consider resting Bumrah for one of the Test matches to ensure he remains in top shape for the entire series. He suggested resting Bumrah for the third Test. He believes that this short break after the initial two matches will help the key pacer recover and be back for the final two matches of the series.
In addition to managing Bumrah's workload, Ganguly also stressed the importance of Gill stepping up as a batter and scoring crucial runs for India. He acknowledged that Gill still has some work to do as a Test batter but expressed confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion. Ganguly pointed out that these are the conditions where Gill needs to score runs and establish himself as a hero.
Ganguly acknowledged that England are a strong side in their home conditions but believes that India has a chance to win if they bat well, bat tough, and use Bumrah effectively. He drew parallels with India's victory in the Melbourne Test during the 2020-21 Australia tour, where the team triumphed despite missing senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He believes that India can win the series if they work hard and Bumrah stays fit for at least four Tests. Ganguly stated that strong batting performances and keeping Jasprit Bumrah fit throughout the tour are two key factors for India's success. He admitted that India's current batting unit lacks experience but said that it should not stop them from winning the series.
Ganguly's message to Shubman Gill is clear: manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload wisely, use him as a strike weapon, and ensure that the other bowlers contribute effectively. By following this blueprint, India can maximize Bumrah's impact and increase their chances of success in the challenging Test series against England.
