We don’t have enough quality: R Ashwin worries about future of Indian bowling
India’s inability to defend 249 against the West Indies renewed concerns about the depth of their bowling attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin warning that the team needs to do more to develop quality bowlers. The former India spinner believes that the ability to adapt to high-scoring conditions cannot depend on having a match-winner like Jasprit Bumrah in the attack.
Then on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat India’s six-wicket defeat in the second T20I in Ranchi on FridayAshwin questioned India’s long-term investment in bowling resources and awareness of the game, which was evident during the chase.
IND vs WI, 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
“It’s not that I blame the bowlers, but we don’t have enough quality in our bowling and we haven’t put enough emphasis on developing it. That’s why the chances of producing quality bowlers are quite low. I really hope we spend some time grooming quality bowlers because bowling in these conditions requires understanding and awareness of the game. I felt that was a bit lacking today.”
“Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were lucky in a way because they had a cheat code as captains in the form of Jasprit Bumrah. He can mix it up defensively when needed and has a range of slower deliveries too. But few players are that gifted and I honestly fear for the future of Indian bowling.”
India’s defeat came in a contest that yielded 501 runs in 38.3 overs. Sanju Samson made 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma made 44 off 18 as India posted 249/5. West Indies reached 252/4 in 18.3 overs, with Shai Hope hitting an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls and Sherfane Rutherford smashing 84 for 37. Their 120-run fourth-wicket partnership turned the chase around to level the five-match series at 1-1.
INDIAN BOWLING SCHEDULES UNDER CONTROL
Ashwin also questioned India’s use of Shivam Dube and suggested that Kuldeep Yadav could have been introduced earlier. Mayank Yadav gave India an early advantage as he took three wickets during the power over, including two in consecutive deliveries. After a tough outing in Lucknow, he repeatedly topped 140 km/h, reminding us of the value of trusting in the primary strength of a specialist fast bowler.
“250 was a good score. I just feel that India lacked a bit of defensive bowling. I mean, Shivam Dube was brought into the attack right after the over. I think both captains, whether it was Shai Hope or Shreyas Iyer, had very average days today. Mayank Yadav took the first two or three wickets in six overs, it would have been time to attack a bit earlier Kuldeep Yadav.”
India head coach Gautam Gambhir also called for a better balance between bat and ballto argue that pitchers’ careers were at stake when the pitch heavily favored batters. However, he conceded that the conditions cannot be the only explanation for the defeat and said that India must find ways to defend big totals.
BIGGER QUESTION OVER THE DEPTH OF HEAT
Ashwin’s concerns come as India prepare to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar another opportunity in T20Is at the age of 36. The veteran seamer was recalled for the five-match series in New Zealand, almost four years after his previous appearance in the format when Bumrah was rested.
Wider numbers underline the challenge. India have tried 23 fast bowlers in T20Is since Bhuvneshwar last played in the format in 2022, but only Arshdeep Singh and Bumrah have featured at least 20 times among the specialist fast bowlers. Injury disrupted several careers while others struggled to establish themselves as a regular international option.
With the series level at 1-1, India have an immediate chance to respond. But the longer-term task is to develop an attack that can adapt its plans, handle high-scoring conditions and defend big units without relying solely on Bumrah.
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