The head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, stated Thursday that his bowling unit is of sufficient quality to manage the workload in the probable absence of the pace spearhead, although he did not identify which three of the five Test matches that Jasprit Bumrah will play in England. Leeds will host the five-match championship series starting on June 20. Gambhir stated, “We have not taken that call that which three games we want (him) to play,” however it is unclear if Bumrah would just play three Test matches.
The 31-year-old Bumrah will not play in all five Test matches, according to the medical team’s assessment, which India’s chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, had disclosed at the squad announcement for this tour.
During his pre-departure press conference alongside new Test captain Shubman Gill, Gambhir told the media, “Look, it’s always difficult to replace someone like Jasprit Bumrah but we have enough quality.”
“We have enough talent, and it gives someone else a chance to put his hand up,” I have stated previously (including during the Champions Trophy). We have enough quality in the team, even though I know he is a good bowler,” he continued.
In a similar spirit, Gill stated that the Indian pace attack is capable of winning Test matches in any circumstance in addition to replacing Bumrah.
Our fast bowlers are in a wonderful position to win us Test matches from any position and in any situation, and we have selected enough bowlers and a pace battery,” he said.
“When you have Jasprit Bumrah… depending on how many matches you would play him, but whenever he would come back and play it would be a great sight for us, but I think we have a great mix and set of bowlers who can get the job done for the team,” he stated.
According to Gambhir, Bumrah’s appearance order will be heavily influenced by India’s position in the series.
“Obviously, we would like to speak with him, but it also depends on the series. Several things will rely on the series’ outcomes and its direction. That is something that is significant, and I am also fully aware of it,” he stated.
As India’s coach, Gambhir claimed that he is constantly under pressure, and this series is no exception.
Whether or not we get the findings, I am always under pressure. I would have responded, “Yes, I am under pressure,” if you had asked me this question following the New Zealand series. “Yes, I am under pressure,” he stated after the tour of Australia.
“As the coach, you always want the results, so even after winning the Champions Trophy, I am always under pressure. You want to win every game you play on this team,” Gambhir continued.
Gill stated that while he hopes to be able to lead by example as a batter, he does not wish to adhere to any particular style of leadership.
“I don’t want to adopt any specific style. As a captain of any team, it is crucial to communicate with the players, make them feel safe, and talk to them about their strengths and problems. I enjoy doing this and building relationships with them. Only when they feel completely safe can the players give it their all,” he remarked.
You should undoubtedly be able to lead by example as a captain by doing well in every game you play. “All I want to do while I’m batting is play like a batsman and make judgments like a batsman. Having said that, I don’t pay much attention to averages or figures, but I do want to set an example with my performance,” he continued.
Karun Nair’s recent form and experience playing in the County circuit will be beneficial to the Indian team in England, according to Gambhir.
“Having Karun’s expertise, who has also played some County cricket, is always beneficial. He is in excellent form right now. For India A, he achieved a double hundred.
“Having guys who are in form and among runs is always beneficial, especially on these kind of tours. His background will undoubtedly be helpful, and hopefully he can deliver.” According to Gambhir, “More importantly, we will not judge someone by just one or two Test matches, you guys (the media) can, but we won’t because I think if someone has scored heaps of runs, I think he will be given a decent run so that he can showcase his talent at this level as well.”
