India suffered a rare and disappointing eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test on Sunday, October 20. A rain-interrupted affair, the Test match saw India outplayed on Day 5 despite favorable overcast conditions and a pitch suited for fast bowling.

While Jasprit Bumrah delivered a commendable performance, the rest of the Indian bowling unit struggled to make an impact. New Zealand’s batters, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, comfortably guided their team to victory, marking New Zealand’s first Test win in India in 36 years. The next match will take place at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, starting from October 24.

Jasprit Bumrah’s dominance with the ball

Bumrah continues to be the standout performer in India’s pace attack, reaffirming his position as the leader of the bowling unit. In the Bengaluru Test, despite India’s defeat, Bumrah displayed remarkable control, picking up crucial wickets even in challenging conditions. His ability to extract seam movement and maintain accuracy under overcast skies made him a constant threat to the New Zealand batters.

Bumrah has been India’s most reliable bowler in 2024, taking 41 wickets in just 8 Tests at a phenomenal average of 15.07. His versatility and intelligence with the ball make him a valuable asset, especially in conditions that offer assistance to fast bowlers. His knack for breaking partnerships at critical moments has often kept India in contention, and his leadership in the bowling department is vital for India’s prospects in the ongoing series. Meanwhile his fast-bowling bowling partner Mohammed Siraj was completely out of touch in Bengaluru Test while Akash Deep was failed to find a spot in the playing XI of that game.

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Bumrah’s bowling partner for the 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep?

1. Superior form in 2024 in Test cricket

Akash has made a solid case for his inclusion in India’s Test lineup due to his consistent performances in the limited opportunities he has received. The Bengal pacer has shown an ability to generate movement off the pitch, something that has troubled opposition batters. In 2024, he has played 3 Tests and claimed 8 wickets at an impressive average of 23.12. His ability to strike at key moments, as seen in the Duleep Trophy where he picked up 9 wickets at a strike rate of 27, has demonstrated his capability to deliver on the biggest stages.

In contrast, Siraj has struggled to find rhythm in home conditions this year, taking only 12 wickets in 7 Tests at an average of 42.83. Siraj’s inability to adapt his length to Indian pitches has led to his ineffectiveness, while Akash’s success stems from his ability to bowl at a length that generates awkward bounce and movement, which could be crucial in Pune.

2. Conditions and favorability of bowling style in Pune

Pune’s pitch has historically offered slow bounce, but bowlers who can extract movement off the deck and maintain a tight line can thrive. Akash’s hit-the-deck style, combined with his ability to generate extra bounce from a length, makes him a strong candidate to exploit the conditions effectively. While Siraj has been successful in overseas conditions with his 8 meter length deliveries, these have not yielded results in India where the pitches offer less bounce.

Akash Deep’s ability to adjust his length between 6 to 6.5 meters – an ideal length on Indian wickets – could add the much-needed variety to India’s attack. Moreover, with Bumrah likely to lead the attack with his variations, Akash’s pace and bounce can complement him, creating pressure on the New Zealand batters. His potential to be an X-factor with the ball in conditions that are conducive to his style cannot be overlooked.

3. Declining impact at Home

Siraj’s performances at home have raised concerns about his effectiveness, particularly against higher-ranked teams. His current average of 42.83 in home Tests this year highlights his struggle to extract anything from Indian pitches, which are generally slower and less responsive to his aggressive style of bowling. While Siraj has been formidable in overseas conditions with his fuller, seam-friendly lengths, this approach has not worked on Indian pitches that require bowlers to adapt and use subtle variations in length.

On the other hand, Akash has already shown promise in home conditions, and his ability to make the ball move off the seam could provide India with the wicket-taking edge they lacked in Bengaluru. Resting Siraj and allowing him to regain his rhythm for the important Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) later this year would not only benefit the player but also give India a better-rounded bowling attack for the remainder of the series against New Zealand.

Also READ: 5 captaincy blunders that cost India the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand

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