Following India's recent defeat, head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his concerns regarding the team's reliance on spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, particularly in light of a toothless bowling display from the other members of the squad. Gambhir's comments raise a crucial question: how does India develop a more robust and reliable bowling attack beyond its star performer?

Bumrah, who has consistently proven himself as one of the world’s most lethal bowlers across all formats, often carries the burden of India's bowling attack. While his individual brilliance is undeniable and has often been the difference between winning and losing, the over-dependence on him masks underlying issues within the team's bowling depth. The recent Test match exposed this vulnerability, with Bumrah taking a commendable number of wickets but receiving inadequate support from his fellow bowlers, who struggled to contain the opposition or create breakthroughs.

Gambhir's frustration stems from the lack of consistency and penetration shown by the other bowlers. He acknowledges that the current crop includes relatively inexperienced players. However, he also implies that simply blooding new talent isn't enough; a more structured and strategic approach is needed to nurture these players and transform them into match-winning assets. He stressed that constant criticism after every match can hinder the development of these bowlers.

So, what steps can India take to address this issue? Firstly, a clear and consistent developmental pathway needs to be established for young bowlers. This involves identifying promising talents at the domestic level and providing them with specialized coaching, exposure to high-pressure situations, and opportunities to learn from experienced bowlers like Bumrah.

Secondly, the coaching staff needs to focus on developing the all-round skills of the bowlers. While raw pace and natural talent are valuable, they need to be complemented by accuracy, variations, and tactical awareness. Young bowlers need to be taught how to read batsmen, exploit conditions, and bowl according to specific game plans.

Thirdly, India needs to create a more supportive and competitive environment within the team. This means giving opportunities to different bowlers, rotating the squad, and encouraging healthy competition for places. It also means backing young bowlers even when they have a bad day, providing them with constructive feedback, and instilling confidence in their abilities.

Furthermore, strategic decisions play a vital role. Gambhir highlighted that Prasidh Krishna showed potential by claiming wickets, despite conceding runs, and also praised Shardul Thakur for his quality, explaining the strategic decisions made during the match.

Ultimately, developing a well-rounded and resilient bowling attack is a long-term project that requires patience, investment, and a clear vision. India has the talent and resources to create a formidable bowling unit that is not solely reliant on Jasprit Bumrah. By addressing the underlying issues and implementing a comprehensive development plan, India can ensure that it has a bowling attack capable of consistently challenging and defeating the world's best teams. The focus should be on nurturing a pool of bowlers who can complement Bumrah's skills and share the responsibility of taking wickets, thereby alleviating the pressure on the star bowler and creating a more balanced and potent team.