Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Pujara Expresses Concerns Over India’s Bowling Strength Ahead of Fourth Test, Absence of The Legendary Spinner Could be “A Big Threat” For India

With the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne fast approaching, questions linger regarding India’s bowling combination, particularly after the retirement of senior spinner R Ashwin following the Brisbane Test. Cheteshwar Pujara expressed concern over the team’s bowling strength, especially in the absence of Ashwin’s experience.

Pujara acknowledged that the batting, particularly the middle and lower order, has improved, citing contributions from players like Ravindra Jadeja, Nitesh Kumar, and even the tail-enders. Speaking to the source, Pujara stated:

My biggest question and the reason for a little bit of concern is that the Indian bowling is looking a little weak. Batting is a little better like the top five didn’t do well, but the middle order and lower middle order, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitesh, and even tail-enders, Bumrah and Akashdeep contributed with the bat.

However, he pointed out that the absence of Ashwin, along with the reliance on Jadeja and Kumar for support bowling, leaves a gap in the spin department. He added:

Now, there is a weakness in the bowling, so what will you feed the team? That is the biggest question because you can’t drop Nitish, you can’t drop Jadeja, so what will be the team combination? Ashwin has taken retirement, so two spinners, I don’t think they will play in Melbourne. So, how will you strengthen the bowling?..

For Pujara, the ability to take 20 wickets remains the key to winning a Test, and he stressed that the supporting bowlers need to step up to meet this challenge. The Indian team will need to find a solution quickly as they look to take control of the series.