Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed concern over the national team’s excessive reliance on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, urging team management to include wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav more regularly to maintain balance and variety in the bowling attack. His comments come amid India’s ongoing preparations for the crucial Test and limited-overs fixtures against England.
Azharuddin’s Strong Words On Bumrah Dependency
Speaking at a recent cricket conclave in Mumbai, Azharuddin said:
“India is too much dependent on Jasprit Bumrah. While he is the world’s best bowler in all formats, you can’t expect him to take five wickets every innings. The workload on him is immense and if he gets injured or has an off day, the attack looks ordinary.”
He emphasised that India’s bowling strategy must diversify, warning that over-bowling Bumrah increases the risk of injury layoffs that could derail the team’s campaigns in major tournaments such as the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Recent Performances Support Azhar’s Call
Azharuddin advocated for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion based on his form and ability to break partnerships on unresponsive pitches. The left-arm wrist-spinner recently delivered match-winning spells against Bangladesh and South Africa, highlighting:
- His improved consistency and control compared to early career struggles
- The ability to turn matches with unplayable deliveries, especially against lower-order batters
- His variations complementing Ravindra Jadeja’s orthodox left-arm spin, creating twin-spin pressure
Why India Needs To Rotate Its Attack
Former selectors and analysts agree with Azhar’s view that relying solely on Bumrah is risky. Key reasons include:
- Workload Management
Bumrah’s unique action and explosive pace put immense stress on his back and knees, requiring careful management to avoid recurrence of injuries that sidelined him for nearly 18 months in 2022-23. - Conditions And Opposition Strategy
England’s batting line-up has shown vulnerability to wrist-spin. Kuldeep could exploit conditions and psychological match-ups that fast bowlers may not. - Balance In Playing XI
Playing Kuldeep alongside Jadeja and Ashwin (if chosen) creates a three-pronged spin attack, particularly potent on Indian pitches.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Career Highlights
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 10 | 42 | 21.3 | 5/40 |
| ODIs | 96 | 167 | 25.3 | 6/25 |
| T20Is | 35 | 59 | 14.6 | 5/24 |
Stats updated as of June 2025.
Support From Other Cricketers
Azharuddin’s views echo those of other senior Indian cricketers:
- Sunil Gavaskar has previously said India must use wrist-spin to unsettle settled batters, especially in the middle overs.
- Ravi Shastri recently suggested Kuldeep could play a pivotal role in the upcoming Test series, particularly as pitches wear down on Days 3 and 4.
- Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach, has hinted at a horses-for-courses strategy to rotate between three spinners depending on pitch conditions.
Bumrah’s Workload Under Spotlight
Bumrah remains India’s strike weapon across formats, but recent scheduling has raised workload concerns:
- Played all games in the T20 World Cup 2024
- Featured in full-length series against England, Australia, and South Africa
- Expected to lead India’s attack in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Physiotherapists have advised strategic rest to maintain his pace and prevent stress injuries. Inclusion of Kuldeep in select matches can ease Bumrah’s burden, allowing him to operate in short attacking spells rather than defensive containment.
Team Management’s Dilemma
The management, led by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, faces selection decisions balancing:
- Bumrah’s match-winning potential
- Kuldeep’s wrist-spin edge
- Ashwin and Jadeja’s all-round abilities
- The need for a three-seamer attack overseas
Azharuddin On Team Strategy
Azhar concluded:
“India has the best bowling unit on paper, but if you don’t use all your resources wisely, you will lose crucial moments. Kuldeep is in great form, and if you bench him for long, his confidence dips. He should play at least one Test in every series.”
Upcoming Fixtures: Opportunities For Kuldeep
India’s upcoming fixtures offer multiple chances to implement Azhar’s suggestions:
- England Test series: Expected to feature turning pitches from the second Test onwards
- Sri Lanka tour: Ideal for wrist-spin due to slow tracks
- Champions Trophy 2025: Subcontinental pitches will aid spin, and India may choose two spinners in their XI
Conclusion
Azharuddin’s warning is a timely reminder for India’s team management to spread bowling responsibilities and protect its strike bowler Bumrah from excessive fatigue. Kuldeep Yadav’s form, combined with his unique skills, provides India with an under-utilised weapon that could prove decisive in tight matches, especially on spin-friendly surfaces.
By optimising squad rotation and tactical combinations, India can ensure sustained performance across formats while safeguarding its premier pacer for critical encounters.
