The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has spotlighted a pressing issue in Indian cricket: the overdependence on Jasprit Bumrah. Heavy reliance over Bumrah is bound to happen as he is a class above everyone else. While Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball, consistently striking crucial blows in almost his every spell, the absence of a reliable partner has been glaring. Mohammed Siraj has not been an answer so far. Harshit Rana has not been an answer so far. Akash Deep has lacked luck. Then whose remaining? Mohammed Shami is the answer. The experienced campaigner with a proven track record in Australia is fit and back in domestic action, yet the team management has chosen caution over action.
BGT: Jasprit Bumrah, take a bow
Jasprit Bumrah has easily carried the Indian bowling attack throughout the BGT 2024 on his shoulders. From his five-wicket haul in Perth (as a skipper) to consistent dismissals of the Australian openers across the series, Bumrah has once again proven why he is India’s premier pacer. Just look at his stats in the series so far. The lad averages a mere 12.17, which is absolutely insane in Test cricket. He is taking a wicket every 27.8 balls, always keeping Australian batters on their toes.
Most wickets at BGT 24/25 so far
| Player | Inns | Overs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR |
| Jaspri Bumrah | 5 | 79 | 17 | 5/30 | 12.17 | 2.62 | 27.88 |
| Mitchell Starc | 4 | 65.1 | 11 | 6/48 | 21.18 | 3.57 | 35.54 |
| Pat Cummins | 4 | 66.4 | 10 | 5/57 | 25.1 | 3.76 | 40 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 5 | 71.1 | 10 | 4/98 | 27.44 | 3.47 | 47.44 |
However, the over-reliance on him is a double-edged sword. Despite Mohammed Siraj’s potential, he has yet to deliver impactful spells or take on the role of a matchwinner in the ongoing series. Bumrah needs a reliable ally to share the workload and maintain pressure on the opposition—a role tailor-made for Mohammed Shami.
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Why India need Mohammed Shami at BGT
Shami’s continuous exclusion from the BGT squad following his recovery from an ankle injury has been highly debated. While some agree with the management over the cautious approach, others have been adamant that India need him. The pacer, known for his ability to seam the ball at pace and extract movement on most of the decks, has a stellar record in Australia. In eight Tests Down Under, Shami has claimed 31 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, at an average of 32.16. His 31 wickets is the most by an Indian pacer in Australia after Kapil Dev (51) and Bumrah (49).
With Shami back in domestic cricket, showing no signs of discomfort, it is perplexing that India hasn’t recalled him. At the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Shami bowled 35.3 of the 36 overs available to him. He wasn’t that rusty with the ball either, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.85.
Mohammed Siraj, please take some rest
There’s no doubt that Siraj is a bowler who gives his all for India. He runs in hard, faces batters fire with fire, and bowls at full throttle. But we talk so much about Bumrah’s workload management; no one does it for Siraj. The Hyderabadi pacer has been bowling relentlessly since the last couple of years. In fact, since 2023, no Indian pacer has bowled more overs than Siraj (as seen on the table below).
Most overs bowled by Indian pacer since 2023
| Player | Inns | Overs bowled | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ |
| Mohammed Siraj | 68 | 600.5 | 94 | 6/15 | 27.11 | 4.24 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 50 | 487.5 | 109 | 6/45 | 15.43 | 3.44 |
| Mohammed Shami | 27 | 247.3 | 56 | 7/57 | 20.05 | 4.53 |
| Hardik Pandya | 46 | 180.3 | 48 | 4/16 | 24.93 | 6.63 |
Rohit Sharma and the Indian think tank must reassess their strategy. Siraj, despite his promise, has struggled to rise to the occasion in the ongoing series. Persisting with him over a proven performer like Shami could cost India dearly in the remaining matches.
Calling up Shami is not just about easing the burden on Bumrah—it’s about leveraging India’s most potent bowling pair to give the team the best shot at victory. With the series still hanging in the balance, the Bumrah-Shami combination could be the decisive factor in turning the tide.
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Jasprit Bumrah with Mohammed Shami is what India need; Rohit Sharma should get rid of Mohammed Siraj
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