The former India captain and ex-chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has voiced strong criticism against premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for missing the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, citing workload management as the reason.
The match which took place at Edgbaston in early July was part of the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and although Jasprit Bumrah’s absence did not impact the performance of India, Dilip Vengsarkar is far from convinced that skipping a Test was justifiable.
Jasprit Bumrah, the 31 years old pace spearhead from Ahmedabad and the current No. 1 in the ICC Test bowling rankings, was rested deliberately to manage his workload. However, Vengsarkar believes that if a player is touring with the team, he should be available for all the matches unless medically unfit. Referring to Bumrah’s week-long break between the first and second Tests, he questioned the logic of resting someone after such a sufficient recovery window, especially considering the stakes of an intense bilateral series.
In an interview, Dilip Vengsarkar expressed his disapproval, remarking that playing for India should be the topmost priority. He emphasised that if a player is not completely fit, they shouldn’t participate in any match but if they are fit, there should be no picking and choosing. He added that while some, including current selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, might have accepted the decision, he personally found it unacceptable.
He further stated that for a player of Jasprit Bumrah’s stature who is known for his match-winning abilities, commitment throughout the tour is crucial. Vengsarkar underscored the need for consistency, stating that once a player is on tour and fit to play, they should not miss matches based on individual preference or strategic rest. According to him, national duty should not be optional.
Although the decision to rest Bumrah for the Edgbaston Test may have surprised some, it had been a pre-planned move agreed upon well in advance. After being sidelined for nearly three months earlier in the year due to a back injury, Bumrah was expected to feature in only three of the five Tests during this England series.
So far in the series, Bumrah has dismissed 12 English batters and has proven instrumental in the matches he has played. However, as part of the workload management plan, he is also likely to sit out of the fourth Test scheduled at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27.
The debate surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s scheduled absences reflects a broader conversation in world cricket around the balance between managing player fitness and ensuring consistent participation in important fixtures. Vengsarkar’s comments bring that discussion sharply back into focus, particularly when it comes to elite players representing their country on the biggest stages.
What is our take on this matter, especially in regard to Dilip Vensarkar’s remarks?
