Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons that India could have tried a young pacer in place of Jasprit Bumrah against a relatively weaker side like the West Indies in the upcoming Test series.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan further said the series would have presented an ideal opportunity to groom a new fast bowler.
“It seems like a missed opportunity not to play a young fast bowler in these two Tests, but that’s the team’s current direction,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “If I were a selector or manager, I would have surely tried to give a young fast bowler an opportunity, focusing on their development, not just quick results. Bumrah remains committed to Test cricket, which is fantastic.”
The Indian team for the Test series against the West Indies was announced on Wednesday, with India selecting three pacers — Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna — along with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the fourth pace bowling option.
According to Pathan, Bumrah could have been rested to give a chance to new pacers so that a pool of fast bowlers can be created for the future. He also praised Bumrah for his dedication to the longer format of the game.
“Still, it’s good that Bumrah maintains Test cricket as his priority. Selectors could have utilised this series to give proper rest to Bumrah and groom a young fast bowler, something India must prioritise for long-term vision. India needs a group of eight good fast bowlers, not just three or four,” Irfan added.
As it is a home series, India is expected to play two pacers along with three spinners. Bumrah and Siraj are likely to be their first-choice pacers.
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