As India battles Australia in the ongoing five-match Test series, Jasprit Bumrah has continued to deliver stellar performances, including a key four-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings in the second Test in Adelaide. This follows his Player of the Match performance in the opening Test in Perth, where he claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
Despite Bumrah’s crucial role in India’s bowling attack, the challenge of managing his workload has been a topic of discussion. The dilemma of whether to rest him during the series, while balancing the need for his presence in critical matches, has been at the forefront of the team management’s decisions.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar addressed this issue in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. Manjrekar believes Bumrah should play all five Tests against Australia, suggesting that the pacer could be rested for less important bilateral series.
"I play him every Test match purely because Indian cricket takes care of Bumrah," Manjrekar explained. "And I've said this before as well, the number is etched in my head. 34% of international matches that India have played in the last three years is what Bumrah has played. Only 34% of what Indian cricket has played. So he's well rested. And this is when you need him because these are the series that will be remembered forever."
Manjrekar further added, "Give him a break in one of those bilaterals that we forget 48 hours later."
The ongoing series is crucial for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes. If India manages to win the series 4-1, they will secure a place in the WTC final. Currently, the series is tied 1-1. However, a loss in another Test match could leave India’s qualification hopes dependent on the outcome of the Sri Lanka vs Australia series.
(Source: NDTV)
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