Ind vs Aus 2nd ODI: Jasprit Bumrah is a key component of the India team and is the spearhead of the bowling department. It can be described as one of the four pillars of the current Indian generation. But on Friday, the 26-year-old struggled to hit Australia in 1S t ODI in Sydney.
The right arm fast, which is known for its prowess at bowling, especially death overs, never bothered the men of Down Under. He conceded 73 runs, the third most expensive of the night, and managed to land just one spot at Aaron Finch.
It was something unexpected for everyone, especially after his performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). He was one of the best players of the season and was crucial to the title victory of the Mumbai Indians (MI). In 15 games he chipped 27 wickets.
Regarded as one of the best fast pitchers of his generation, Bumrah has failed to replicate the same performance in ODIs.
Ind vs Aus: Jasprit Bumrah’s performance at the post-2019 World Cup
Since the ICC World Cup in 2019, India has played three ODI series. The first came in August 2019 against the West Indies, the others came in 2020 against Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Bumrah rested on the Windies tour. He made his return to the team in January when Australia arrived in India for three ODI series. And it was the last time he took a wicket, in the 2North Dakota ODI in Rajkot
In 2020 it has launched 56 more, before November 27, 2020 and has failed to make an impact with leather.
Ind vs Aus: How has your out of form affected Virat Kohli and the team against Australia?
India was playing its first international competition in almost nine months. Pitching first, team morale depended on Bumrah’s shoulders. An early wicket in the first powerplay would have given the team the necessary boost. However, he struggled to find the correct rebound that fans saw in the UAE during the IPL.
Yet it was their lack of intention in the killings that cost India dearly. Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell’s blitzkrieg in the finals was the main reason Australia posted a whopping 374 total.
Kohli in the post-match conference agreed that the team did not do well due to a lack of long-format practice. “Probably the first long game we’ve played in a long time. We have been playing T20 cricket. It’s probably something that can have an effect. ” The statement is true for everyone, but a little more for Bumrah.
Ind vs Aus: Can you rest when India already lacks a quality SUV?
Virat Kohli, before 1S t ODI had said that the team’s management will seek to rotate Mohammad Shami and Bumrah to manage their workload during the two-month tour.
But given that India lacks a quality SUV, it seems unlikely. India currently has two SUVs in Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. However, while the former has stated that he is unable to bowl due to his back injury in 2018, the latter has not been consistent with the bat. Also, Jadeja is not a bowler who takes wicket like Bumrah.
To add to India’s team selection woes, even if Bumrah comes out, who can replace him?
While T. Natarajan lacks experience in Australia, Shardul Thakur is good with the old ball rather than a new one.
India will have a gigantic task on Sunday when it takes the field in a game that it must win. Furthermore, Kohli and the men would hope that Bumrah would regain her form in time.
