The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aren’t pleased with all the workload management hullabaloo. Although India managed to level the England Test series at 2-2, many were critical of Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the second and fifth matches.
Before the series, Bumrah had openly stated that he’d play 3 matches. It’s still unclear whether that was BCCI’s medical staff or Bumrah’s decision. Neither the board nor the fast bowler has cleared that up.
The reason behind resting Bumrah was to ensure his career doesn’t get hampered due to another injury. Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond had stated a while back that if Bumrah suffers another back injury, his career might be over.
BCCI’s stern stance
Amid all of this, BCCI has sent a stern warning to players. The workload of fast bowlers will continue to be managed, but the board doesn’t want them to skip important games as per their desire.
“There have been discussions and the message will be sent across to the centrally contracted players, especially those who are all format regulars, that this culture of picking and choosing games won’t be entertained in the near future,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.
“It doesn’t mean that workload management will be thrown out of the window, but a more objective approach is expected in the near future. Obviously, fast bowlers’ workload needs to be managed, but it can’t be accepted that in the name of workload management, people will miss crucial matches,” the official added.
Jasprit Bumrah available for Asia Cup
We had heard previously that Bumrah suffered a knee injury during the India vs England Test series. But according to the Hindustan Times, the pacer’s fit as a fiddle. Not just that, but Bumrah will be available for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE as well.
The major part of Bumrah’s workload management seems to be around Test cricket. The medical staff at the BCCI will determine how many red-ball games the pacer will play. If Bumrah plays in the Asia Cup, there is a possibility that he might skip the West Indies Test matches and play against South Africa.
“As announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the time of the team selection, the decision on the number of Tests Bumrah will be able to play was taken in advance by the medical and fitness team. If he was injured, he would be going to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for recovery and rehab,” a source told the Hindustan Times.
India’s Test schedule in 2025
| Match | Dates | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs West Indies 1st Test | Oct 2-6 | Ahmedabad | 09:30 AM |
| India vs West Indies 2nd Test | Oct 10-14 | Delhi | 09:30 AM |
| India vs South Africa 1st Test | Nov 14-18 | Kolkata | 09:30 AM |
| India vs South Africa 2nd Test | Nov 22-26 | Guwahati | 09:30 AM |
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