New Delhi — August 19, 2025

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has faced recent criticism over his limited participation in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he played only three out of five matches, including missing the final Test at the Oval. Critics questioned his absence in a must-win match for India, but the team still secured a victory under Mohammed Siraj’s leadership, who stepped up as the spearhead of India’s pace attack.

The controversy surrounding Bumrah’s workload management prompted former Indian cricketer and ex-chief selector Chetan Sharma to defend him. Speaking to PTI, Sharma emphasized the importance of adhering to medical advice and team physiotherapists’ guidance. “If the medical team advises, if the doctor tells me that I have to take antibiotics, then I have to consume them. If our physios are telling a player to manage workload, I think we should listen to them because they are the better judges,” he said. Sharma’s support highlights the delicate balance between managing a player’s health and meeting team expectations during high-stakes tournaments.

Bumrah’s workload management has been a key factor in team selection decisions. The pacer is likely to feature in India’s upcoming Asia Cup squad, which will be played in T20 format this year. Sharma expressed confidence in the squad’s potential, stating, “I know that whoever is selected will be the best for the country. And the kind of cricket we are playing right now, I’m really proud of the way India performed in England. I’m very confident that we will definitely win the Asia Cup because soon after that we are playing the T20 World Cup in 2026 in India.”

Sunil Gavaskar, cricketing legend, also weighed in on the debate around Bumrah’s appearances. In his Mid-Day column, he wrote, “Nobody is indispensable. That’s why it is of prime importance for the selectors to now decide when Jasprit Bumrah should be playing. There’s already been a lot of debate about his appearances in the recently concluded series in England.” Gavaskar added that management decisions were aimed at protecting Bumrah’s long-term fitness and career, even if it occasionally meant missing critical matches. “The Indian team management stated that he wasn’t picked considering his future. This is where the lines between what is good for the individual and what is good for Indian cricket got a little blurred,” he noted.

Bumrah’s situation underscores a broader challenge in modern cricket: balancing player workload with team performance and long-term strategy. The pacer, regarded as one of India’s most reliable bowlers, continues to be pivotal for future tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. Experts and former players alike stress that managing player fitness is essential for sustaining peak performance, ensuring that India can compete effectively on the global stage while safeguarding individual careers.

Despite criticism from some quarters, the support from experienced voices such as Chetan Sharma and Sunil Gavaskar reinforces confidence in Bumrah’s approach to managing his workload. As India prepares for upcoming T20 challenges, the focus remains on team success, strategic rotation, and long-term player health, with Bumrah expected to contribute effectively when called upon.