Sanjay Manjrekar believes India faces an uphill task to retain the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia without Mohammed Shami. Manjrekar further said that India’s bowling attack for Australia next looks vulnerable due to Mohammed Siraj’s form.
The former Indian cricketer mentioned that jasprit bumrah is in great shape, but he won’t have those strong hands with the red cherry, like in past tours when Mohamed Shami was available and he and Mohammed Siraj were in top form with the ball.
Sanjay Manjrekar questions India’s bowling depth in Mohammed Shami’s absence for Australia tour
With Mohammed Shami unfit for the much-awaited five-match Test series in AustraliaManjrekar is worried about India’s bowling attack and believes that someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy should step up and fulfill the role of the fourth bowling option for Team India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. 25.
Manjrekar said that Mohammed Shami’s fitness is the most unfortunate thing for the Indian cricket team. He also predicted that Australia’s confidence will not be affected by India’s current bowling attack as Jasprit Bumrah will bear the main burden in leading the attack. He pointed out that yes Mohammed Siraj regains its form, it would greatly strengthen India’s position.
India seam attack looks weak: Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports: “The most unfortunate thing is that if Shami is not fit, then the seam attack, which we were very proud of and by which we have won so many matches in the last 3-4 years, there is a small problem because Bumrah’s form is going well, Mohammed Siraj’s form is a bit off and Shami is not there at all.
So bowling attack, I am sure Australia won’t be too worried after seeing this attack because Bumrah will have a lot of responsibility this time. So if Mohammed Siraj chooses his way, it will be good for India. I am not worried about youngsters because the fast bowling culture has improved and the quality of steam bowling is improving.”
Nitish Kumar Reddy can be India’s third or fourth stitching option
Manjrekar emphasized that any bowler with a strong mindset and a promising start could effectively play the role of a third or fourth seamer, mentioning Nitish Reddy as a possible option for this all-rounder. However, he admitted that Mohammed Shami’s absence and Mohammed Siraj’s slight dip in form from his previous peak could present challenges for Indian team on the Australian tour.
The cricket pandit further noted. “So if someone has a good temperament and a good start, then he will do his job as a third or fourth seamer, which can be Nitish Reddy as an exciting all-rounder. But the biggest surprise for India is that Shami is not there and Siraj’s form has dipped a bit. Last time he was at his best bowling.”
In the end, Manjrekar expressed surprise that Prasit Krishna was picked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, but Yash Dayal, who was on the radar, was overlooked by the national selectors. He was also surprised by the news of Kundeep Yadav’s injury.
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