“You’re Not Bigger Than The Country” – Ex-India Captain Blunt Message to Bumrah
Mohammad Azharuddin questions Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management after missing two Tests in England series.
India sealed a thrilling win in the fifth Test at The Oval to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2, but the victory came without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler was rested for the match as part of the BCCI’s workload management plan, the second time in the series he has been left out under this policy.
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is not convinced by the approach. Speaking to Mid-Day, he said a player representing the country should not “pick and choose”matches.
“If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player have to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches. There is a workload, but at this level, you must manage it. You are playing for the country,” Azharuddin said.
Bumrah had earlier missed the second Test in Birmingham in July for the same reason. In his absence at The Oval, Mohammed Siraj led the attack with support from Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep. Azharuddin praised the trio for stepping up but warned of the risk if India needs Bumrah in a crunch situation.
“It was a different story that Siraj, along with Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, rose to the occasion, and we were fortunate to win without Bumrah, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?” he added.
Reports suggest Bumrah could return for the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, starting September 9. The BCCI is expected to announce the official squad later this month.
