AUS v IND 2025: Uthappa Critiques Bumrah’s Bowling in Melbourne T20I
Jasprit Bumrah struggled with the new ball during the second T20I between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), failing to take any wickets in the powerplay.
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa offered an insightful analysis, suggesting that Bumrah tends to go off track when he tries too hard to take wickets early in the game.
Match Summary
- India posted a modest total of 125 runs.
- Bumrah picked up two wickets in his final over, but it came too late to affect the outcome.
- Australian openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head aggressively attacked the Indian bowlers, putting on 51 runs before Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Head.
- Australia went on to chase the target in 13.2 overs comfortably.
Uthappa’s Assessment
"When we were bowling after scoring 125, the start was very important. If we had picked up two or three wickets in the first three or four overs, the game could have been closer because we have quality spinners in the middle overs. I felt we were probably trying too hard to pick up wickets."
Uthappa emphasized that an early breakthrough was crucial to shift momentum, but India's bowlers deviated from their plans in their eagerness for wickets.
Impact on India’s Bowling Strategy
The failure to take early wickets allowed Australia to dominate the powerplay, making it difficult for India’s spinners to control the middle overs. This put immense pressure on the Indian bowling attack defending a subpar total.
Author’s summary: Uthappa believes Bumrah’s over-eagerness for wickets disrupted India’s bowling rhythm, costing them crucial early breakthroughs and momentum in the Melbourne T20I.