Irfan Pathan says selectors could have included a young fast bowler in place of Jasprit Bumrah for West Indies Tests

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel could have looked to groom a young fast bowler in the two-match Test series against the West Indies. Pathan reckons India could have rested Jasprit Bumrah as he is not going to be utilised much in the home conditions, which are conducive for the spinners.

Bumrah had played three out of the five Test matches on the England tour to manage his workload but chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the ace pacer will be available for selection for both matches against the Windies.

However, Pathan said it is good to note that Test cricket is Bumrah’s first priority and he wants to play against the WI.

“It seems like a missed opportunity not to play a young fast bowler in these two Tests, but that’s the team’s current direction. If I were a selector or manager, I would have surely tried to give a young fast bowler an opportunity, focusing on their development, not just quick results. Bumrah remains committed to Test cricket, which is fantastic,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

“In England, his matches were carefully scheduled; selectors and team management managed him well. Playing a match, then getting a break, and so on. For this home series, India has a real chance to manage his workload efficiently, as bowlers don’t work as hard in Indian conditions. Still, it’s good that Bumrah maintains Test cricket as his priority. Selectors could have utilized this series to give proper rest to Bumrah and groom a young fast bowler, something India must prioritize for long-term vision. India needs a group of eight good fast bowlers, not just three or four,” he added.

On the other hand, Pathan reckons Kuldeep Yadav might once again warm the benches as India has included Axar Patel in the squad.

“Axar’s return strengthens the team. When Axar plays alongside Washington and Jadeja, the team gains batting depth. Does this mean Kuldeep Yadav may miss out again? I would definitely want to see him play, but with home conditions generally allowing only two fast bowlers, his spot is not guaranteed,” Irfan Pathan said.

Pathan reckons it would be difficult for India to fill in the big shoes of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

“Who will fill that Ashwin role? Washington Sundar brings some qualities, but he doesn’t have all of Ashwin’s traits: the drift, the variations, the carrom ball, even occasional leg spin, Ashwin was an explorer. His bowling action was always clean, unlike many other off-spinners globally whose actions were questioned. Ashwin’s skill set made him unique. Jadeja supported Ashwin well, but now someone new must step up for that role. Could it be Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar, or even Axar Patel? Each offers something different.”

The opening Test match between India and West Indies will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, from October 2 onwards.