Dinesh Karthik has called for a fairer assessment of Jasprit Bumrah, urging critics to recognise that India’s inability to secure wins in matches he plays is not the pacer’s fault. Speaking after India’s 2-2 draw in the five-Test series against England, the former India wicketkeeper-batter highlighted Bumrah’s unmatched influence on the game, suggesting that his presence often makes others in the attack appear less effective simply because of the high standard he sets.
Jasprit Bumrah took part in only three Tests in the series, reportedly missing the final match due to a knee injury. Dinesh Karthik, speaking on a show, described the fast bowler as a go-to player in high-pressure situations, whether it is to claim a crucial wicket in a Test or restrict runs in a T20 contest. He felt that the fighting spirit displayed by India’s relatively young bowling group during the series would make Bumrah proud as he is not the kind to shy away from responsibility in key moments.
Addressing the perception that India often win in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, DK dismissed the idea as misleading. He argued that the pacer’s contributions are so significant that when he is on the field, his impact naturally overshadows others, a reflection of his quality, not a flaw in his presence. Calling him a “world champion”, Dinesh Karthik said that the 30-year-old cricketer deserved more margin from those who are quick to criticise.
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also came to Jasprit Bumrah’s defence, describing India’s wins at Birmingham and the Oval without him as more a matter of chance than proof of any pattern. He pointed to the pacer’s outstanding returns in the series, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the opening Test and another in one of the two matches he played after missing the second. Sachin stressed that such performances underline Jasprit Bumrah’s enduring value to the side.
Together, Dinesh Karthik and Sachin Tendulkar’s words paint a clear picture — while India’s collective results may vary, Jasprit Bumrah’s role as a match-winner remains beyond dispute.
