'Fast bowling is not easy' - Former Indian captain supports Jasprit Bumrah amid brutal trolling on his fitness

Jasprit Bumrah: (Image Source: Twitter)

Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly believes that the absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the Indian team will be a headache for the team management as he’s the spearhead of the attack across formats. Bumrah has been on the sidelines since September 2022. His last ODI appearance came in July 2022 which can prove a big issue for the Indian team with the 2023 One-Day World Cup coming.

The 29-year-old seamer was surprisingly added to India’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he was ruled out on the eve of the first ODI as the management decided to not rush him into a comeback. Bumrah missed the major tournaments such as the 2022 Asia Cup and then the 20-20 World Cup, as India missed their premier bowler in both important tournaments. Ganguly admitted that being a fast bowler is not easy as they are injury prone. He urged the management to wait for Bumrah's recovery.

"Bumrah is such an important asset of the India team. There will be problems obviously. Fast bowlers will get injured often. You have to wait for him to recover. Fast bowling is not easy," Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata.

Indian bowlers, especially pacers Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik, started well while defending 373 runs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. But failed to take all ten wickets as Sri Lanka managed to cross 300 despite being 206/8 at one stage thanks to a remarkable century from captain Dasun Shanaka.

Before the World Cup, new structures and stands will be built at Eden Gardens: Sourav Ganguly

Indian bowlers have put up a decent performance in the absence of Bumrah but the team would definitely want the pace spearhead back as they aim to win the ODI World Cup at home and end their major trophy drought since 2013.

After India got the 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, Sri Lanka will look to make a comeback at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on January 12. The iconic venue is expected to host the World Cup games and Ganguly revealed that the fans will witness new structures and stands at Eden Garden before the World Cup.

"Eden Garden is a nice ground. Before the World Cup, new structures and stands will be built," Ganguly added.