Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has openly questioned the team's long-standing over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, saying the pattern has been obvious for ten years.
Speaking in a recent interview, Patel pointed out that India keeps leaning on the same two match-winners without developing enough depth behind them. His comments come as Bumrah remains the spearhead of India's bowling attack across formats.
What did Parthiv Patel say?
"We've been saying the same thing for 10 years," Patel said. He argued that India's dependence on Bumrah and Pandya is nothing new — it's a recurring issue that hasn't been fixed.
Patel, who played 25 Tests and 38 ODIs for India, stressed that the team needs more all-round options. He didn't name specific players but made it clear the current setup is too top-heavy.
Why it matters for Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah has carried an enormous workload since his Test debut in 2018. He's played 36 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, often being the go-to bowler in crunch situations.
Patel's critique isn't aimed at Bumrah's performance — it's about the lack of support. If Bumrah has an off day or gets injured, India's bowling unit looks thin. That's a real concern for a team with World Cup ambitions.
What comes next?
India's selectors and team management will have to decide whether to blood new bowlers in bilateral series. The next major ICC event is the 2027 ODI World Cup, and building a deeper pool takes time.
For now, Bumrah remains indispensable. But Patel's warning is clear: relying on one superstar for a decade isn't a strategy — it's a gamble.