Team India’s bowlers, especially the pacers, dominated The Oval Test as they helped India register a thrilling six-run victory against England to level the Test series 2-2. The pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shared 17 wickets between them.
With Jasprit Bumrah missing from the playing XI, there were concerns, but both pacers stepped up and delivered in the absence of the ace quick.
Now, former England cricketer Monty Panesar has stated that while Bumrah’s presence remains crucial, India are no longer solely dependent on him thanks to the rise of other pace bowling options.
During his interview with Mid-Day, Panesar said: “This Indian team does not depend on Bumrah anymore. Bumrah’s hype is absolutely massive, but let’s be honest, India have a strong bowling attack.”
Panesar praised the improvements in Prasidh Krishna’s bowling throughout the series and regarded him as a solid partner to Siraj.
“(Prasidh) Krishna is getting better and better with every Test match. I think he can open the bowling with Siraj. They just need a third seamer, Akash Deep or Arshdeep Singh or someone else. Of course, Bumrah is a good bowler, but he wasn’t part of the matches that India won [in this series]. So, I don’t think they depend on him as much,” he said.
Panesar also credited Mohammed Siraj for his significant role in leading the bowling attack and emerging as the highest wicket-taker of the series. In the final Test, Siraj picked up nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
“Siraj utilised the conditions really well. He’s a huge asset for Indian cricket. I think he leads the attack now and India need to build the attack around him,” he added.
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