"The best part is that he wants to play as much Test cricket as he can" - Gautam Gambhir in awe of Jasprit Bumrah
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir suggested that Jasprit Bumrah's hunger to succeed in Test cricket combined with his performance makes him the best bowler in the world currently. Gambhir observed that a bowler like Bumrah can make a difference at any stage of the game.
Bumrah has been leading India's pace-bowling unit since his Test debut in 2018 and is one of the most incisive bowlers with the new ball. The right-arm speedster has taken fifers in South Africa, Australia, and England, and has accumulated 159 scalps in 36 Tests at an average of 20.69.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of India's first Test against Bangladesh, the 42-year-old said he is looking forward to Bumrah's exploits this season.
"In fact, Bumrah is the best bowler in the world. It's not just his performance," Gambhir said. "It's his hunger as well. And the best part is that he wants to play as much Test cricket as he can. It is not even a luxury. He can make a difference at any stage of the game. So yes, hopefully, he can do the same in this series and going forward as well."
The 30-year-old pacer was equally effective on the less helpful Indian surfaces during the Test series against England earlier this year. He finished with 19 scalps in four Tests at 16.89.
"I feel that we are going to have an attack which can take 20 wickets" - Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir also praised the ability of both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to go defense and attack according to the situation. He stated:
"We know how they can contribute on day one (of a match) because potentially the most important thing is that you should have the ability to bowl defensive and you should have the ability to bowl attacking stuff as well. Both those guys can do that on day one to one day five as well. So, I feel that we are going to have an attack which can take 20 wickets."
While the former opener hopes to have a pace-bowling all-rounder soon in their ranks, Gambhir reckons India already has a wealth of spin-bowling all-rounders. Hence, he chooses not to obsess with what they lack.
"We have a very strong first-class structure and hopefully we can get someone (pace all-rounder) very soon. If we don't, then we still have quality all-rounders. We have to manage with people like Jadeja, Ashwin. So, let's not get obsessed with that. Tell me how many international teams have got spin all-rounders? India has that luxury. So might as well keep thinking about it," Gambhir concluded.
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium will host the first Test between India and Bangladesh from September 19 onwards.