Indian pace attack has enough firepower to make up for Bhuvi's absence: Darren Gough

Former England pacer Darren Gough feels India have enough firepower in their pace attack to cover for the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the first Test beginning here on Wednesday.

Gough spoke about the different options available in front of skipper Virat Kohli in both pace and spin departments, and remarked that India's well-rounded attack is suitable for any pitch that is laid out in this ensuing series, despite missing Bhuvneshwar for three Tests and Bumrah for the series opener.

"Bhuvneshwar is a big loss and he wasn't at his best during the ODI series because he was carrying an injury. But India aren't a side anymore that is dependent on one bowler. Earlier, they were dependent on Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath or Zaheer Khan, that is no longer the case. India are suited for all sorts of wickets, and they look prepared and geared up for this Test series," Gough told PTI.

"Today, you have to be on top of your game to beat India, whether you are playing at home or away because they posses everything in their bowling attack. Kumar gives you swing, Bumrah is a skidding seam bowler, Umesh Yadav can move the new ball as well and he has got pace, Mohammed Shami is strong and hits the deck hard, while Ishant Sharma has experience, aggression and he can bowl lots of overs."
"If you can afford to leave Rohit Sharma out of your side, you know India are in a good position. They have a great middle order batsman in Ajinkya Rahane, and he played so well at Lord's in 2014. I like how KL Rahul looks as well, but India's top-order looks a bit weak to me because Pujara hasn't got any big runs recently. If they play Shikhar Dhawan, then India should leave out Pujara and play Rahul at number three."