Really concerned about Jasprit Bumrah: Shastri slams lack of support from India pacers-OxBig News Network

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance but expressed serious concern over the lack of support from India’s other pacers during Day 2 of the first Test against England at Headingley.

Speaking to Sky Cricket at the end of Saturday’s play, Shastri didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Indian bowling unit. He said while Bumrah delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, the stark contrast in quality between him and the rest of the attack—Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna-was worrying.

“There’s a big difference in levels. The concern is Bumrah and what his workload will be as the series progresses, because he is the one man who is expected to pick wickets every spell he bowls,” Shastri said. “I just hope someone at the other end puts their hands up.”

Bumrah returned figures of 3 for 48 in 13 overs, claiming all three English wickets to fall on the day, while the remaining pacers toiled without success, conceding a combined 154 runs.

ENG vs IND 1st Test Day 2 Highlights

India had begun the day in a dominant position, with their batters taking the score from an overnight 324-2 to 430-3. But a sudden collapse saw the last seven wickets fall for just 41 runs, ending the innings at 471. England then clawed their way back into the contest, led by a gritty, unbeaten century from Ollie Pope, closing the day at 209-3, trailing by 262 runs.

The Indian bowlers found little movement in the Leeds conditions, but Bumrah, once again, found a way. He struck in the first over, dismissing Zak Crawley with an unplayable delivery. Later, he removed a well-set Ben Duckett before trapping Joe Root-yet again—claiming the former England captain’s wicket for the 10th time in Test cricket.

Shastri’s concerns go beyond this match. The former coach highlighted the unsustainable pressure on Bumrah to perform spell after spell while his teammates struggle to create chances. With a long series ahead, India’s chances could hinge on whether the rest of the attack finds form.

“India would only be hoping that one of the other fast bowlers raises their standard and delivers for the team,” he concluded.

For now, Bumrah remains the spearhead. But unless his fellow pacers rise to the occasion, India risk squandering strong positions in this high-stakes series.