Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar believes Shubman Gill-led side winning two Tests on England tour without Jasprit Bumrah's services is just a confidence, nothing more. While Bumrah was exceptional with the ball, registering two five-wicket hauls from three Tests he played in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, there is chatter around two wins coming in his absence. Tendulkar said that he is aware of such discussions and lauded Bumrah who played three Tests on the tour to manage his workload.
"Bumrah started off really well, got five wickets in the (first innings of the) first Test. He did not play the second Test, but (played in) the third and the fourth. Again, in (one of) those two Tests, he got (a) five wickets (haul)," Tendulkar said in his video analysis of the series on 'Reddit'.
"Of three Test that he played, he picked up five wickets twice. I know that people are discussing a number of things, that we won those Tests in which he did not play. To me, that is just a coincidence.
"The quality of Bumrah is exceptional. What he has been able to do is just unbelievable so far. He has been a consistent performer without any doubt (and) I would put him right at the top with anyone else," he added.
Tendulkar hails Siraj’s courageous acts
In Bumrah's absence, Mohammed Siraj stepped up. In the Oval Test, he claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the fourth innings. Tendulkar feels Siraj does not get the credit his deserves for not giving up, always running in and bowling with a lot of heart.
"Unbelievable. Superb approach. I love his attitude. I love the spring in his legs," the 52-year-old said. "For a fast bowler to be constantly in your face like that, no batsman will like it. And the approach he had till the end on the last day, I could hear commentators also saying he bowled around 90mph (145kph) on the last day after having bowled more than 1000 deliveries in the series. That shows his courage and big heart.
"The way he started on the last day was remarkable and he has always been instrumental, playing a key role whenever we need him, whenever we want him to deliver that knockout punch, he's been able to do that consistently in the past, and so was the case in this series. The way he picked all those wickets and performed, he doesn't get the credit he deserves."
Meanwhile, there have been reports that Bumrah might miss the T20 Asia Cup 2025 as he picked up a knee injury during England tour. It can open the doors for Siraj who was absent from the limited-overs side against England at home and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.