ENG VS IND 2025: “India is not dependent on Jasprit Bumrah” Former English spinner Monty Panesar made a big statement

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has sparked a new conversation in the cricketing world with his recent remarks about India’s bowling attack. Panesar, known for his sharp cricketing insights, believes that Team India's dependency on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is gradually fading. He pointed out that during the recently concluded Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy series, India’s performance was collectively strong in matches where Bumrah featured. However, what caught attention was how India often performed even better in matches where Bumrah was absent. According to Panesar, this is a clear indication that India has built a well-rounded and independent bowling lineup.

Monty Panesar emphasized that Bumrah’s absence is no longer a major void for the team. Instead, a new generation of aggressive and skillful bowlers has emerged, who are stepping up under pressure and delivering impactful performances. Players like Prasidh Krishna, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj have all displayed sharp pace, excellent control, and the ability to dominate top-order batsmen. The recent series against England saw these bowlers taking on the challenge confidently. Particularly, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammad Siraj used the new ball effectively, maintaining pressure from both ends and setting the tone early in matches.

At 43, Monty Panesar also offered strategic advice to the Indian team management. He suggested that while Bumrah remains a world-class bowler, it’s now time to groom Mohammad Siraj as the leader of the Indian pace attack. Panesar said, “There is no doubt that Bumrah is a good bowler, but now it is the right time for the team to give Mohammad Siraj a chance to lead the bowling attack. The way Siraj took charge in England, he will emerge as a golden player for India.” This sentiment echoes the growing opinion that Siraj has matured into a dependable strike bowler who thrives in tough conditions.

Delving into the statistics, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna delivered standout performances in the Test series. Siraj recorded match figures of 9 wickets for 190 runs (4/86 and 5/104), while Krishna secured 8 wickets for 188 runs (4/62 and 4/126). These were not just ordinary numbers; they were impactful contributions that played a crucial role in ensuring the series ended in a draw under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. Their ability to strike at key moments helped India recover in difficult situations and dominate key phases of the matches.

Mohammad Siraj, in particular, showcased his physical strength and mental toughness throughout the series. He remained consistent with his line and length, adapting to different conditions and attacking relentlessly. In the entire series, Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs and picked up 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. Such consistency in long-format cricket is a testament to his growth as a complete fast bowler. His endurance and control not only relieved pressure off Bumrah but also set new standards for India's bowling unit.

Panesar’s insights shine a light on the evolution of Indian cricket, especially in the bowling department. For years, there was an overwhelming concern about who would carry the legacy forward after Bumrah. That question now seems to have a promising answer in the form of Siraj, along with emerging names like Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. With such depth and variety in pace attack, India appears well-prepared for the next phase in Test cricket, with or without Bumrah in the playing XI.