IND vs SA 2025: ‘He’s going to be lethal’ – Former Indian coach on Jasprit Bumrah’s impact before South Africa Tests

Former Indian coach Abhishek Nayar believes that India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will have a significant influence even on Eden Gardens’ black changing pitch. The first Test between India and South Africa will begin on November 14 in Kolkata.

The Eden Gardens field is normally comprised of black soil, which is more beneficial to spinners. However, according to recent sources, Gautam Gambhir and his squad may face a more seamer-friendly surface this time, with spinners set to come into play later in the match.

Nayar’s praise for Jasprit Bumrah stood out, as he emphasised the pacer’s unique ability to deliver match-winning performances on any surface.

“Those conditions, black soil, he is going to be lethal. Someone, the opposition is going to be discussing a lot about, and no matter how much you discuss, when you stand and you have to face him, it’s a completely different ball game. When Bumrah is in your attack, it kind of takes away from everyone else, and your focus is solely on Jasprit Bumrah picking wickets,” Nayar said on the Star Sports show Game Plan.

Speaking about Bumrah’s workload management, Nayar was slightly critical, describing the pacer as lucky due to the washed-out matches in the T20I series against Australia. According to Nayar, the rain-affected games have inadvertently helped Bumrah remain fresh ahead of the upcoming first Test against South Africa.

Nayar added that the additional rest could prove beneficial for Bumrah, who is expected to lead India’s pace attack at the Eden Gardens. He might be partnered with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, forming a potent fast-bowling trio capable of exploiting any seam movement available on the Kolkata surface.