Jasprit Bumrah Needs to Learn from Rishabh Pant, Hints Sunil Gavaskar on Workload Management
Sunil Gavaskar backs Shubman Gill as future ODI captain and questions player workload with bold message for Indian stars.
India’s stunning six-run win over England at The Oval not only helped them draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, but also sparked strong views from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, both about captaincy and player workload.
Gavaskar Backs Shubman Gill as Future All-Format Captain
Praising Shubman Gill’s leadership throughout the five-match Test series, Gavaskar suggested the youngster could soon be seen leading India in all formats.
“Rohit and Kohli are available for ODIs. They haven’t been selected yet. The selectors might look at Gill when the ODI series against Australia or the West Indies comes around,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.
He called Gill one of the most respected players in the team and praised his hunger for big scores.
“He got to 269 at Edgbaston and still wanted more. He’s not satisfied with a hundred or double hundred. He keeps going,” Gavaskar added.
“You’re Playing for Your Country”: Gavaskar’s Tough Message on Workload
Gavaskar also made headlines for his no-nonsense take on the workload management debate, which has been a hot topic in Indian cricket.
While he didn’t name anyone directly, many felt it was a message aimed at Jasprit Bumrah, who played only three out of the five Tests.
“If you’re going to succumb to people talking about workload, then you’ll never have your best players on the field,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“Hello, you are playing for your country. Forget the aches and pains in your muscles.”
He went on to compare players to jawans at the border.
“Do you think jawans complain about the cold? They are out there, ready to give their lives. It’s an honour to play for India. Don’t take it lightly.”
Gavaskar also mentioned Rishabh Pant, who batted with a fractured foot during the fourth Test in Manchester, calling it a perfect example of courage and commitment.
“Look at Siraj. He played all five Tests, ran in every day, gave everything. That’s the spirit we need,” he said.
Bumrah’s Absence in Spotlight
The Indian team had made it clear before the series that Bumrah would only play three Tests to manage his fitness.
But some fans still hoped he would return for the final game, especially with long gaps between matches. Instead, he sat out both Tests that India ended up winning, Edgbaston and The Oval.
