/blog-sky365/media/media_files/2025/06/17/6425GANnedWBJ2dYCHya.webp)
The renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has reckoned that the Indian bowling attack is comparatively stronger at this moment than their batting ahead of the five-match Test series against England, scheduled to start on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
Notably, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announcing Test retirements, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the New Indian Test captain for the upcoming World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Bhogle has stated that the current Indian batting line-up is largely untested in English conditions, and for the same reason, he asserted that the bowling attack is slightly ahead. Moreover, he also talked about Virat Kohli’s absence from the squad, which gives a chance to other players to step up in their careers.
"With India, I actually think the bowling is stronger at this stage. I hope they get to a stage where I am proved wrong and that the batting shines again - Yashasvi and Rahul have a great partnership, Gill gets into form, Pant gets back to the format he is best at,” Bhogle told NDTV.
Look- I think, the No Virat Kohli situation… In the minds of many people, we had started getting used to a scenario when he won't be around. Two years before Tendulkar finished you knew that the change was going to come, you had started to get your mind around the fact that he may not be there. The great thing about this sport is, great players go and then great players come in.. that is the one thing we must be excited about in this series…how are all these players going to take one step up in their career," he added.
Furthermore, Bhogle also asserted that Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, will create a huge difference in the English seam conditions. Also, he talked about other pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to do well.
"Largely because India's batting is untested in these conditions. That is my view at the moment. I am waiting to be proven wrong.. it is the start of the series. Since Bumrah is around, even when he is not playing he will make a huge difference,” he observed.
“I am very happy that you made a mention of the two names we do not talk about their stellar careers- Shami and Ashwin. In Siraj, another player we don't talk often about, may not be enough of a box office material, but he has been fantastic over the years. Prasidh Krishna is full of promise.. I liked what I saw of Akash Deep in Aus. These conditions might favour him. Sourav Ganguly has spoken about Arshdeep Singh...If the pitch is dry, Kuldeep will come in,” Bhogle concluded.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!