Haddin Questions Bumrah’s Match-Winning Impact in England
India’s recent five-match Test series in England concluded with a dramatic 2-2 draw, and while the series saw several standout performances, the spotlight has now shifted to contrasting reviews of India’s premier pacers—Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin weighed in on the series outcome with a candid assessment of the pacers’ individual contributions.
Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport YouTube channel, Haddin highlighted that while Jasprit Bumrah remains a world-class bowler, he didn’t decisively win a match for India during this series. Despite finishing with 14 wickets in the three matches he played—including two five-wicket hauls—Bumrah’s performances did not translate into a direct victory for the team.
“India can take a lot from this series—they now know they can still compete strongly even when Bumrah is rested,” Haddin said. “Yes, he’s a premium bowler, but he didn’t win them a Test match on this tour.”
Siraj Steps Up in Bumrah’s Absence
Haddin reserved special praise for Mohammed Siraj, who not only played all five Tests but also emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets. Siraj’s finest moment came at The Oval, where he played a pivotal role in India’s dramatic six-run victory by claiming a five-wicket haul, helping India level the series 2-2.
According to Haddin, Siraj’s attitude and hunger for responsibility under pressure is what sets him apart. “I think Siraj likes being the leader of the attack,” he said. “He’s one of those guys who wants the ball in big situations. He may make errors, but he never hides. That kind of mindset is invaluable.”
The former Aussie wicketkeeper-batter further pointed out that Siraj’s resilience and willingness to be in the thick of the action reflect qualities every team needs in a top-tier bowler.
The Oval Heroics and a Missed Opportunity
On the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval, Siraj showcased his match-winning intent once again. With India needing four wickets to clinch a hard-fought win, Siraj took three of them in the final session, delivering under immense pressure. Haddin recalled how Siraj seemed desperate to bowl every over, underlining his tireless commitment to the team cause.
“There’s no way in the world Siraj didn’t want to bowl every over in that final hour,” Haddin remarked. “He dropped a catch earlier—that was a big miss—but what stood out was how it didn’t define his performance. We’re not talking about that dropped catch now, we’re talking about his wickets and his spirit.”
Bumrah’s Rest and India’s Depth
While Bumrah’s numbers were strong on paper, the narrative surrounding his impact is now under scrutiny. India’s two Test victories in the series—at Edgbaston and The Oval—came when Bumrah was rested, prompting questions about whether the team is evolving beyond relying solely on their pace spearhead.
Haddin believes this could be a turning point for India’s bowling unit. “They’ve got so much depth in talent. The fact that they managed to win without Bumrah shows that the next generation of Indian fast bowlers is ready to take up the challenge,” he said.
Moving Forward with Renewed Confidence
Despite the criticisms, Bumrah remains a key asset for India, especially with several high-profile assignments lined up, including the home Test season and next year’s overseas tours. However, the emergence of Siraj as a dependable leader of the attack gives India a promising sign of growing depth and adaptability in their pace department.
As the dust settles on a thrilling series, the contrasting fortunes of Bumrah and Siraj have sparked a larger conversation—one about leadership, impact, and the evolving dynamics within India’s bowling arsenal.
