Former chief selector Chetan Sharma has defended Jasprit Bumrah after the pacer faced criticism for workload management during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bumrah missed the crucial final Test at the Oval, where India were trailing 1-2, sparking debate about his availability.
Despite the absence, Mohammed Siraj led the pace attack and India secured a vital win. Still, questions were raised about Bumrah’s workload choices.
Chetan Sharma on Bumrah’s Fitness Decisions
Chetan Sharma responded to the criticism with a clear comparison. “If the doctor tells me I have to take antibiotics, then I have to consume them. If our physios are telling a player to manage workload, we should listen to them because they are the better judges,” Sharma told PTI.
He stressed that team medical staff and management must decide when Bumrah plays, not outside critics.
Bumrah’s Role in Asia Cup 2025 and Beyond
Bumrah is expected to return for India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign, which will be played in the T20 format. Sharma predicted India’s strong performance, adding, “The kind of cricket we are playing right now makes me proud. I am confident India will win the Asia Cup and then carry the same form into the T20 World Cup in 2026.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar expressed a slightly different view. Writing in his Mid-Day column, he noted, “Nobody is indispensable. Selectors must decide carefully when Jasprit Bumrah should be playing.” Gavaskar pointed out the thin line between prioritizing a player’s future and the needs of Indian cricket.
As India prepares for back-to-back major tournaments, Bumrah’s fitness and management will remain a key talking point.
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