"Our third prong hasn't looked that impressive" - Aakash Chopra on Indian bowling's overreliance on Jasprit Bumrah in BGT 2024-25
Aakash Chopra feels that Team India are overreliant on Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. He pointed out that the third seamer in India's bowling attack hasn't been that impressive.
India and Australia are locked 1-1 in the ongoing five-match Test series. The hosts ended a rain-truncated Day 1 (Saturday, December 14) of the third Test in Brisbane at 28 for no loss in their first innings.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener was asked about the visitors' reliance on Bumrah as the bowling unit seems to struggle whenever he shows a dip in form.
"This is the reality. This is hitting the nail on the head. It is the truth that there is an overreliance on Jasprit Bumrah. One reason for that is - Bumrah is so good that suddenly everyone starts looking pale," he replied (23:40).
"Secondly, Mohammed Siraj has picked up, yes, but you need at least a three-pronged fast bowling attack that is relentless. Our third prong hasn't looked that impressive. Siraj has done well I feel. He has picked up nine wickets at an average of 19 (before the third Test) in this series also. So he gives you his 100 percent," Chopra added.
Bumrah has picked up 12 wickets at an outstanding average of 11.91 in 60 overs in BGT 2024-25. While Mohammed Siraj has accounted for nine wickets at an average of 21.22, Harshit Rana managed four scalps at an average of 50.75 in the first two Tests.
"Akash Deep is still young and raw" - Aakash Chopra on Indian seamers apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj
![Akash Deep replaced Harshit Rana in India's playing XI for the Brisbane Test. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/027a2-17341808389111-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna are relatively inexperienced.
"Others have to still pick up the pieces. Probably the wait for Mohammed Shami has been too long. We didn't invest in any other bowler that much. Akash Deep is still young and raw. Harshit Rana was the same. Prasidh Krishna will be the same," he said (24:15).
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that India will be in great trouble if Jasprit Bumrah isn't at his best or has a fitness concern.
"Let's be honest, Indian cricket is going through a transition phase. However, you are absolutely right. If there is a slight dip in Jasprit Bumrah's form, has a slight niggle, or an upset stomach, our entire planning will go for a toss. How will we get batters out? He is one of a kind but our reliance on him is a bit too much," Chopra observed.
Bumrah was the Player of the Match for his eight-wicket haul in India's 295-run win in the first Test against Australia in Perth. He picked up four wickets in Australia's first innings of the second Test in Adelaide but lacked adequate support from the other end, especially during Travis Head's game-defining 140-run knock.