Former India captain and batting great Dilip Vengsarkar has harshly criticised Jasprit Bumrah for “picking and choosing” when to play Test matches. The former BCCI chief selector has put India’s, if not the world’s, top fast bowler at the centre of a scathing attack.
Bumrah’s workload management has come under increased scrutiny, especially now that India is currently behind 2-1 in the five-match series against England. From the start, Bumrah has been adamant about not playing all five Tests. He played all five at the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but the series ended in a nightmare for him as he almost had to undergo surgery. However, Vengsarkar feels that a lead bowler shouldn’t decide on a prior basis. Instead, if he is fit, he should be available for all the games.
“If you are fit, you play”—Vengsarkar
Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Vengsarkar did not mince his words. Recalling that Test cricket is the ultimate format, he emphasised that Bumrah choosing his matches to play sends the wrong message.
“Test cricket is the ultimate format. It is more important than any other version of the game. When the team needs him, Bumrah has to be available. You can’t let your lead bowler decide which Tests he feels like playing.
“It sends the wrong message,” Vengsarkar cautioned. “If you are fit, you play. India needs their best bowlers in the toughest conditions.”
The comment is a direct dig at Bumrah’s decision to play only three of the five Tests in the ongoing England series, something that is pre-planned by him and agreed upon by the team management. Despite the early setback, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that no changes had been made to this strategy following the Leeds opener.
Dilemma for Jasprit Bumrah
However, now, Bumrah finds himself at a crossroads. India can ill afford another loss. As per Bumrah’s workload, he can only play one out of the remaining two Tests. India’s crushing loss at Lord’s with two must-win Tests remaining has led many to question whether Bumrah’s absence from one of the remaining games could cost India the series.
Earlier this week, even former India coach Anil Kumble had urged Bumrah to drop his workload management plan, saying, “He doesn’t have to play the home series—he can take a break if needed. But I believe he should be out there for the next two.”
The pacer, however, is caught in a complicated space. Since his return from injury, Bumrah has bowled long spells across formats and delivered match-winning performances, including a sublime five-wicket haul at Lord’s. However, considering he’s a national treasure and perhaps the best cricketer at the moment, India cannot risk him.
The scheduling hasn’t helped either. The final two Tests at Manchester and The Oval are separated by just three days, starting July 23 and 31 respectively. Given Bumrah’s history of back spasms and the stress his unorthodox action puts on his body, the decision is a tricky one.
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