Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun believes that Jasprit Bumrah will have to play an important role for the team in the upcoming second Test against South Africa. He believes that the fast bowler is very sharp and will be vital for the team.

India will face South Africa in the second Test starting January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town. The Rohit Sharma-led team faced a loss of innings and 32 runs in the first game at Centurion and now it will be a chance for them to make a strong comeback and level the series.

For this, the Indian bowlers will certainly have to play a crucial role. Particular focus will be on Jasprit Bumrah, leader of Inda’s bowling attack and also the team’s vice-captain. He looked in great touch in the first game and was by far the best Indian bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah picked four wickets in the game and bowled some impeccable lines and lengths. He alone troubled the South African batsmen but unfortunately he did not get support from the other end as other pacers lost many runs and could not capitalize on the pressure exerted by him.

For India to get back into the series, Jasprit Bumrah will have to bring his A-game in the next game. The pacer will undoubtedly be vital for the team and if he has a good outing, it will certainly boost India’s chances.

Bharat Arun believes that apart from bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will also need to rally other players with him. He hailed the pacer as a thinking bowler and said his role would be huge.

Bharat Arun is confident that Jasprit Bumrah, along with other bowlers, would have sorted out their strategies. Speaking to RevSportz, he explained:

“Huge, huge! It’s not just about his bowling, but also how he leads the other bowlers. Knowing Bumrah, he is very enthusiastic, extremely astute. He is also a very, very thinking bowler.

“And I am sure the bowlers must have sat together, they would have reworked their strategies and Bumrah will have an important role to play in bringing the bowlers back for the next Test match.”

IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah bowled exceptionally well – Bharat Arun

Bharat Arun further highlighted the poor performance of the Indian bowlers in the first Test and said that they should have adapted to the conditions due to the international experience they have.

Bharat Arun admitted that Jasprit Bumrah did not get support from the other end as other pacers lost a lot of runs. He explained:

“I think bowlers at international level should be able to adapt much easier than bowlers who are just starting out. With the experience that the Indian team has, I think we should have adapted. Bumrah played exceptionally well, but the rest of them I don’t think supported him as much as they should have.

“At least don’t give away so many runs at that pace. The pace at which they perform the runs becomes very important for them when preparing for Test matches.”

It remains to be seen whether India will be able to make a comeback in the second Test or not.