'Your team will be weaker' - Scott Styris' blunt message to Gautam Gambhir on Jasprit Bumrah's absence

Former New Zealand allrounder Scott Styris commented about the Indian pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Scott Styris stated that Jasprit Bumrah's absence will weaken the pace bowling attack, adding that India needs a little bit more help in that department.

The Indian cricket team will play three T20I matches and three ODIs during the Sri Lanka tour, which will begin on July 27. The selectors picked the regular players in the T20I squad after resting them from the Zimbabwe tour. However, Jasprit Bumrah wasn't included in both white-ball formats against Sri Lanka.

Newly appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that Jasprit Bumrah was rested to keep him fresh for important games. Gambhir emphasized that the team management is keen on managing Bumrah's workload. This marks Gambhir's first assignment as head of the Indian cricket team.

India Needs A Little Bit More Help - Scott Styris

Scott Styris stated that the Indian pace attack will rely on Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Khaleel Ahmed in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Styris backed the decision to rest Bumrah to keep him fit for future challenges.

"These fast bowling stocks are the one area where India probably needs a little bit more help, which is why I like the selection of these youngsters. Anytime Bumrah is not here, your team is going to be weaker. He’s as good as anyone who’s ever played the game, especially the white ball. So the decision to give him a rest, you totally understand. You’ve got to make sure that he’s fresh and ready for some of the other challenges that India have in front of them," Styris told News18 CricketNext.

Jasprit Bumrah last played for the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup 2024 final match against South Africa. He was named Player of the Tournament for his performances throughout the tournament. The right-arm pacer took 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 8.26 and an exceptional economy rate of 4.17.

Like The Decision Not To Make Hardik Pandya Captain - Scott Styris

Scott Styris also supported the decision to exclude Hardik Pandya from the leadership group in the T20I squad. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Hardik should deliver a dominant role with the ball rather than captaincy. He stated that it's a significant opportunity for many players to step up in Sri Lanka.

"Siraj, he leads RCB, Khaleel leads his bowling attack. And that’s what you’re looking for the next wave. And you want more out of Hardik Pandya. That’s why I like the decision not to make him captain because I really want him to see him stand up with a dominant role with the ball more than anything. Is it an opportunity for Shivam Dube as a fourth seamer? Perhaps, maybe."

"But if I was in the opposition, I’d be looking to attack Shivam Dube as well. There’s a really good opportunity for a lot of players in this Indian team. And I think it starts with the bowling," Styris added.

The first T20I match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. The match will start at 7 PM (IST) on Saturday, July 27.

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