How Much Longer Can Bumrah Fight Alone?

 

Can Jasprit Bumrah Do It Alone? Ashwin Questions Siraj’s Performance After Headingley Test

Daily News 24/7 | June 27, 2025

After India’s defeat in the first Test at Headingley, a pressing question is echoing among Indian cricket fans — can Jasprit Bumrah do it all alone? In the second innings of the opening Test, Bumrah went wicketless, and none of India’s other bowlers managed to make an impact either.

This, however, isn’t an isolated incident. On six occasions when Bumrah has remained wicketless in the fourth innings of a Test, India has ended up losing. The Headingley Test now joins that unfortunate list.

India’s former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back in his criticism of the bowling unit, particularly targeting Mohammad Siraj. Siraj conceded 122 runs in 27 overs in the first innings without taking a wicket, and went wicketless again in the second innings.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:
“I have only one question for Siraj — can you at least stop the runs? It’s not necessary to take wickets every time, but if you’re giving away 4-5 runs an over, we have to keep bringing Bumrah into the attack. How long can Bumrah hold the fort alone?”

Ashwin further explained that extended spells for Bumrah lead to fatigue, allowing opposition partnerships to settle. That forces the team to rely on Jadeja to control the run flow. With Prasidh Krishna being new to Test cricket, Siraj needs to step up as a dependable option.

Drawing a comparison, Ashwin cited former South African pacer Morne Morkel’s role:

“Morkel would often bowl 20 overs, take 2 wickets for 43 runs. In today’s ‘Bazball’ era, it might be 2 for 58 — and that’s fine. Siraj needs to focus on containing runs even if he isn't getting wickets.”

He also highlighted how former Indian pacer Ishant Sharma used to expertly build pressure from one end, enabling other bowlers to strike. Ashwin added:

“I’m not saying Siraj needs to become Ishant, but he must ensure he isn’t leaking runs.”

India lost the first Test to England by five wickets, with the hosts taking a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.