Jasprit Bumrah’s workload has been the talk of Indian cricket. Bumrah is by far India’s best bowler across formats but his availability remains a major question mark. The fast bowler played only 3 of the 5 Tests in the India vs England series, in a bid to manage his workload. India won the two Tests he did not feature in, with Mohammed Siraj carrying the bulk of the load.
Can’t pick and choose matches: Azharuddin slams Bumrah’s workload management
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin believes a player has to be always available when the team needs him. Bumrah had informed the team management of his availability for only 3 Tests. That decision was taken in line with his fitness, after suffering a serious back injury after the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Mohammed Siraj played all 5 Tests, and starred in India’s series levelling win at The Oval. Azharuddin adds that while workload management is necessary, a player should be available once picked.
“If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player has to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches,” said the former India captain as quoted by Mid-Day.
He went as far as suggesting that India were lucky that the rest of their attack rose to the occasion. Akash Deep picked up a 10-wicket haul in Edgbaston in Bumrah’s absence. Prasidh Krishna picked up 8 wickets at the Oval. In the two Tests Bumrah did not feature, Siraj picked up 16 wickets.
“There is workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country. It was a different story that Siraj along with Prasidh (Krishna) and Akash Deep rose to the occasion and we were fortunate that we could win without Bumrah, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?” Azharuddin added.
Bumrah will return to action in the Asia Cup 2025, starting next month. India’s next red ball assignment is against the West Indies at home. Workload will always follow Bumrah whenever he plays and coach Gautam Gambhir will have to find a way to keep the pacer fit and get the best out of him.
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