Allan Lamb, the former England legend, believes that India has the potential to dominate in 50-over cricket but will heavily rely on Jasprit Bumrah in Test matches. Lamb, who represented England in three World Cups and 79 Tests, expressed his views on Indian cricket, the influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the state of Test cricket.
Lamb is impressed by the rise of Indian cricket and acknowledges the life-changing impact of the IPL on cricketers worldwide. He notes the emergence of young talents and their ability to make a name for themselves. According to Lamb, India should aim to win every competition in the 50-over format due to the depth of their talent.
However, Lamb believes that India's success in Test matches will depend significantly on Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, a right-arm fast bowler, has become a key player for India in all formats of the game. He is known for his unique bowling style, which includes a jerky run-up, unusual angles, and a variety of slower balls and yorkers. Bumrah's ability to take wickets and control the game has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
In addition to Bumrah's importance, Lamb also points out that India will miss Virat Kohli in Test matches. Kohli has been a prominent figure in Indian cricket, but former England cricketer David Lloyd suggests that Kohli's prime may be behind him, especially in Test cricket. Lloyd noted Kohli's struggles with balls outside off stump and suggested that his reflexes may be declining.
Lamb is not satisfied with the way the International Cricket Council (ICC) is managing Test cricket. He is unconvinced that the World Test Championship (WTC) can thrive in its current format. Former cricketers like David Lloyd have been critical of ICC tournament scheduling, alleging that it favors certain teams. Lloyd has also criticized the ICC for pre-scheduling matches between India and Pakistan in major tournaments, claiming that such fixtures compromise the sport's integrity.
Lamb also shared his thoughts on the racial quota system in South African cricket, advocating for selection based on merit. Lamb was forced to move to England from South Africa during the Apartheid era.
Furthermore, Lamb spoke about his experiences playing with Kapil Dev in County cricket and shared his opinion that Sachin Tendulkar is superior to Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli.