Sunil Gavaskar expressed frustration over reports suggesting that the team management might rest Jasprit Bumrah as part of workload management for the third Test against England in Rajkot.
Jasprit Bumrah has been in outstanding form, taking 15 wickets in the two Tests against England at an incredible average of 10.66. His impressive performance included a first-innings spell of 6/45 and another three wickets in the second innings, which played a key role in India’s series-leveling 106-run win in the second Test.
To use that stupid word workload makes zero sense- Sunil Gavaskar
In his column for Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar elaborated on why the idea of resting Jasprit Bumrah to manage his workload should not have been considered at all.
“So, to use that stupid word workload makes zero sense, especially when you see that in the two Test matches that have been played so far, Bumrah has bowled one delivery less than 58 overs. That translates to an average of around 15 overs per innings so far. Now, nobody in their right mind would suggest that he has been over-bowled,” wrote Gavaskar.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed gratitude that better judgment had prevailed and that Jasprit Bumrah would likely be involved in the third Test against England.
“There were reports in some outlets that Jasprit Bumrah would be rested because of the so-called workload management. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened and Bumrah continues to be the vice-captain of the team. The series is still level, and there’s the psychological advantage that Bumrah holds on the English batters with his destructive bowling,” added Gavaskar.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled nearly 34 of his 58 overs in the second Test. The team management contemplated resting him for the third Test to ensure he is refreshed for the final two games of the series. It’s important to remember that Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined with a back injury for a year before making his return last August.
That nine-day gap between the second and third Tests is enough- Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar reiterated his stance, emphasizing that a nine-day break between the second and third Tests should be more than enough rest for Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted that Mohammed Siraj was given a break and rested for the second Test after playing in the series opener against England.
“That nine-day gap between the second and third Tests is enough rest even for a bowler who would have bowled double the number of overs Bumrah has bowled so far. With both Tests ending in four days, the players have had an extra day off as well. So, there really should be no talk of workload,” wrote Gavaskar.
Gavaskar concluded by stating that the privilege of playing for the country, especially in Test match cricket, should never be taken for granted by any player, regardless of their stature.
“Bumrah is playing for his country’s cricket team, and he as well as the others should be prepared to do the extra work that may be asked of them. The privilege of playing for the country, especially the highest form of the game, Test match cricket, should never be taken for granted by anybody, however big he may be”, Gavaskar concluded.
During the second Test, Jasprit Bumrah became the fastest Indian pacer to reach the 150-wicket mark in Tests. His performance in that match also propelled him to the top of the ICC Test bowler rankings.