Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has come down hard on fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah for being selective about the Test matches he plays. Vengsarkar questioned the idea of India’s lead pacer deciding his workload in advance, calling it a "wrong message" to send. The former chief selector believes that if a player is fit, he must make himself available, especially when the team is in desperate need.
Bumrah’s workload has been a talking point for quite some time now. He played all five Tests in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was close to needing surgery to treat his back. Since then, both Bumrah and the team management have been more cautious. Before this England Test series began, it was decided that Bumrah would not play all five matches. He featured in the first and the second Test and is expected to skip one of the final two.
This plan is now under question, especially after India’s loss at Lord’s. The team is 2-1 down in the series, and the final two Tests are must-win games. Fans and former players alike are wondering if resting Jasprit Bumrah now is the right call.
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"If Fit, He Must Play" - Dilip Vengsarkar Questions Jasprit Bumrah’s Test Commitments
Vengsarkar feels that when India is in a must-win situation, Bumrah’s availability should not be optional. The idea of players managing their own participation does not sit well with him as he believes it sends a 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," Vengsarkar said as quoted to Telecom Asia Sport.
"It sends the wrong message. If you are fit, you play. India needs their best bowlers in the toughest conditions," he added.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah Plan in Trouble After Lord’s Loss
India lost badly at Lord’s and now has to win both of the remaining Tests to take the series. The fourth and fifth matches are very close together, starting on July 23 and July 31. That makes it hard for fast-bowlers like Bumrah to recover in time.
Bumrah’s back issues and bowling action have always needed careful management. But with the series on the line, critics are saying that India cannot afford to leave out their best bowler.
Whether Bumrah plays in Manchester or The Oval or both could decide how this series ends.
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