Greg Chappell Advocates for Strategic Changes in India's Bowling Lineup

In the wake of India's defeat in the first Test against England, cricket legend Greg Chappell has voiced concerns over the team's bowling strategy. He emphasizes the need for greater variety in the bowling lineup, suggesting the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. Chappell critiques the uniformity among India's seamers and highlights the importance of a balanced attack to secure victories. His insights shed light on the tactical adjustments necessary for India to improve in the ongoing series. Read on to discover more about his recommendations and the implications for the team's future performance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2025, 02:00 IST

Chappell's Insights on India's Bowling Strategy

Greg Chappell, the renowned Australian cricketer, has expressed his views on India's bowling strategy following their defeat in the first Test against England. He believes that the team suffered due to a lack of diversity in their bowling attack and has suggested the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, whom he regards as the "best wrist-spinner since Shane Warne," in the playing XI.

India faced a five-wicket loss in the opening Test of the five-match series at Headingley, where they also dropped eight catches, contributing to their downfall.

Chappell noted, “While the fielding at Headingley was disappointing, it wasn't the primary reason for India's loss. Many issues were self-inflicted, with the no-ball that allowed Harry Brook an early reprieve being particularly costly,” as he mentioned in his column for a prominent sports platform.

However, he emphasized that the uniformity among India's right-arm seamers—Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur—created a more significant tactical challenge than the fielding errors.

“The lack of variety in the bowling lineup is concerning. Besides Jasprit Bumrah, the other seamers are too similar—right-arm, medium-fast, and delivering at similar angles. This lack of variability makes it easier for batters like Shubman Gill,” he explained.

The former India coach, now 76, advocated for the addition of left-arm seamer Arshdeep and wrist-spinner Kuldeep to enhance the team's bowling options.

“In Bumrah's absence, I would prefer to see Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav included in the attack,” he stated.

During the match at Headingley, Jasprit Bumrah recorded impressive figures of 5/140 from 43.4 overs, while Thakur and Krishna managed 2/89 from 16 overs and 5/220 from 35 overs, respectively.

“Even with Bumrah, the rest of the bowling unit needs to show more discipline. I noticed that the bowlers struggled to consistently land balls in threatening areas. They were often too full, too short, or too wide. Bowlers must collaborate effectively, just like batters do. Currently, England only needs to handle Bumrah, and they know the pressure will ease once he is out,” Chappell remarked.

Chappell also criticized the Indian team's management for prioritizing batting depth over a well-rounded bowling attack.

“I disagree with the notion of selecting an extra batter who bowls as a safeguard against top-order failures. The top six should be relied upon to score runs, and the best combination for taking 20 wickets must be available to the captain,” he asserted.

In this match, India chose to field all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as their sole spinner. Chappell commented, “Jadeja isn't a frontline spinner in English conditions. If his batting is deemed sufficient, he can serve as a support spinner; otherwise, a reassessment is needed. For India to turn their fortunes around in this series, a more balanced team is essential. The selectors are now under pressure. If batters and bowlers must take risks to score runs and claim wickets, they too need the courage to make bold choices,” he concluded.