Amidst the backdrop of a drawn Test series between India and England, where the Indian team comprised of new captain and young players, the discourse around Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and workload management intensifies. Experts and fans are divided on the subject, with some criticizing the Indian bowler. Former England bowler Monty Panesar has weighed in, suggesting that Mohammed Siraj’s match-winning capabilities for Team India warrant a specific approach for Bumrah.
Bumrah featured in only three out of the five Tests against England. It was pre-determined that Bumrah would play only three matches during the tour. Coincidentally, India didn’t secure a victory in any of those matches, and he was absent from the two matches that led to the series draw. In these two matches, Siraj delivered stellar performances, each time claiming five wickets and leading the bowling attack. Questions have arisen: Can Bumrah be fully relied upon given concerns about his fitness and workload management? Should he be afforded special consideration?
Given Bumrah’s significance and distinct skills, there are diverse opinions on the matter. Indian-origin English spinner Monty Panesar also offered his views. In an interview, Panesar was asked if Team India should consider playing without Bumrah or exclusively in overseas matches. The English spinner proposed that Bumrah should play all matches abroad. Panesar said, “The Indian team can beat anyone at home without Bumrah, but he’s the X-factor in overseas Test matches. They (the captain and coach) can tell him that we don’t need you for home Tests, but we need you for overseas Tests.”
Whether captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir will adopt Panesar’s suggestion will be evident over the next two months. India is scheduled to play its next two Test series at home, with matches against the West Indies and South Africa. Whether Bumrah will participate in both series, or if he’ll be rested, will shed light on the team management’s strategies. However, Panesar’s suggestion mirrors Virat Kohli’s captaincy period when Bumrah made his Test debut and played all initial matches overseas while being rested at home.