India’s outstanding bowling lineup played a major role in their historic dual Test series wins in Australia. But in their recent 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, it was evident how far apart Jasprit Bumrah was from the other bowlers.

India’s other pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, took 40 wickets in 351 overs, with averages of 34.82 and 52.6, respectively, while Bumrah stood out above the rest with 32 wickets in his 151.2 overs at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.4.

There are concerns about India’s fast-bowling stocks going forward due to the inexperience of pacers and an over dependence on Bumrah. Although he is hopeful about the fast-bowling potential, Sunil Joshi, the former Indian spinner and head selector during India’s 2-1 series triumph in Australia in 2020–21, believes India missed having a left-arm pacer in their lineup.

“No, as Troy Cooley, who has experience in NCA, is already in charge of the fast bowling pool. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any concern, in my opinion. We did, however, undoubtedly lack a left-arm seamer in that lineup.

Since most Australian, English, or New Zealand hitters feel uncomfortable with left-arm seamers because they are moving the ball away from them from a different angle, there would have been a little shift in angles if one had been there.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Joshi said, “We just needed variety, but fortunately or unfortunately, both the bowlers Yash Dayal and Khaleel Ahmed were there, but they couldn’t play, and that’s unfortunate.”

Joshi recounted how India was playing a lot of injured players during the 2020–21 series, and the guys who went on tour as net bowlers went on to play, perform, and win games. In terms of field placements, bowling changes, and strategies to bowl to Australian batsmen, India fell well short of expectations, apart from their previous tour results.

“The key to success on the tour is for each player to demonstrate their character. Were we well prepared for that? Yes, I believe. Did we accept accountability? Indeed. Did we learn anything from the opposition throughout this trip, from the first Test match to the second and third matches?

“I see it that way because, certainly, we might have been better and more consistent if we had learned anything from the opposition. I approached this trip in the same way: if you haven’t learned, you need to dig into it, be disciplined to put that effort into perspective and practice, and then produce a result out of it.

“Tactically, we will be questioned if things don’t work out. If everything works out, we think that’s an excellent technique. All we have to do is examine what the other side performed, such as what tactical strategies they regularly used successfully. For example, one may see their quick bowlers or even Nathan Lyon, who did nothing but remain patient and consistent. Did we do that? No, other from Bumrah.

“Once again, we have performed consistently, excluding periods, whether it is via Nitish, Siraj, Prasidh, or Harshit Rana. Ultimately, we must examine ourselves to see whether we were as disciplined as we might have been. Did I clearly fulfill my job on the team? I’m not seeing it from an external perspective.

“Now that I’m in the dressing room, I ask myself, did I give it my all? Did I give it my all in terms of discipline throughout these sessions or situations? Was my job clearly defined, or should this and that have been done? “So they are the very tiny things,” he said, “because you will be able to comprehend if you break down all these things.

The sudden international retirement of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after the third Test at the Gabba ending in a draw—a match in which he did not play—was another revelation that caught Joshi off guard during the Australian trip.

“That also caught me off guard since I had no idea what happened or what went well between or in between the second and third Test matches. Ashwin, however, has once again been quite transparent about his choices. Therefore, I’m not arguing that it was a poor choice.

There is no denying that he has become a modern-day legend of the game, therefore we should honor that. But once again, what happened to make him do that? Since it was incredible, we’ll have to find out,” he said, adding that the board, selecting committee, and team management should provide an explanation.