“Bumrah is not bigger than the game, drop him if he’s not fit” – Ex-Indian Cricketer

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s biggest match-winner with the ball in recent years, but his absence from two Tests in the England series has sparked criticism.

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has openly questioned both Bumrah’s availability and the team management’s handling of the situation.

Bumrah played only three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he picked up 17 wickets and two five-wicket hauls. While his performances were impactful, his restricted workload raised questions.

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj bowled more than 185 overs and finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 wickets. According to Tiwary, a player must be available for the entire series if he is selected.

“If a player is not fit for all five Tests, then you should not pick him in the first place. Nobody is bigger than cricket, whether it’s Bumrah, Virat Kohli, or Rohit Sharma,” Tiwary told CrickTracker.

The former Bengal batter also criticised the decision to reveal before the series that Bumrah would play only three matches. He believes this gave England an advantage.

“Why tell the opposition your plans? It gave them confidence even before the first ball was bowled,” he said.

Bumrah’s limited role was the result of back spasms he suffered in Sydney earlier this year. The injury had already forced him to miss the Champions Trophy, and the selectors decided not to risk him in all five matches.

But Tiwary feels that with India’s depth in pace bowling, it made little sense to rely on a half-fit Bumrah when others were ready to step up.