Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 30: Former India head coach Greg Chappell has voiced strong concerns over India's bowling composition following their five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley, arguing that the lack of variation in the attack was a bigger issue than the widely criticised fielding performance.
In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell praised Jasprit Bumrah's efforts — the pacer returned match figures of 5-140 across 43.4 overs, with all wickets coming in the first innings — but noted the sharp drop in impact from the rest of the attack. Seamer trio Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna managed a combined 9-482 in 92 overs, while Ravindra Jadeja, the sole spinner, returned ineffective figures of 0-68 and 1-104.
“India’s seamers are all right-arm, medium-fast, and bowl from similar angles. That makes it easy for batters to settle. There’s a reason wickets often fall after a bowling change — it disrupts rhythm. India didn’t offer that disruption,” Chappell wrote, stressing the importance of bowling variety in high-pressure Test matches.
He believes India must rethink their bowling lineup for the second Test at Edgbaston, starting July 2. Chappell advocated for the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who he described as “possibly the best wristspinner since Shane Warne,” and suggested that Arshdeep Singh be brought in to add a left-arm pace option, especially if Bumrah is unavailable.
On Jadeja’s role, he was critical of the all-rounder’s impact as a lead spinner in English conditions. “If his batting is good enough, he can stay as a support spinner. If not, India need to reassess,” Chappell said, underlining the need for specialist bowlers who can deliver results rather than being selected as utility players.
He also called for greater bowling discipline, noting that India’s seamers failed to consistently land deliveries in threatening areas. “I didn't see two consecutive balls in the right place. It was either too full, too short or too wide. Bowlers have to hunt in pairs, just like batters build partnerships,” he wrote.
Chappell dismissed the idea of picking an extra batter who can bowl as insurance, arguing that it undermines confidence in the main batters. “The top six must be trusted to score runs. The focus should be on finding a bowling unit capable of taking 20 wickets.”
As India looks to level the series, Chappell placed the onus on the selectors to make bold, strategic choices. “If batters and bowlers are expected to take risks to win games, selectors must show similar courage. The responsibility is theirs now,” he concluded.