Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has questioned the team’s workload management policy after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah featured in only three of the five Tests during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
Concerns Over Match Selection
Before the series began, head coach Gautam Gambhir had announced that Bumrah would be rested for two games. While Azharuddin agreed that genuine injuries require careful handling, he argued that fit players should not skip matches in such a high-profile contest.
“Once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches,” Azharuddin told Mid-Day. “There is workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country.”
Siraj Steps Up in Bumrah’s Absence
Despite Bumrah’s absence in two Tests, Mohammed Siraj led India’s attack brilliantly, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 scalps at an average of 32.43. Azharuddin praised Siraj’s fitness and intensity, even joking that his favourite foods, nalli gosht biryani and paya, had helped him build powerful legs. He highlighted Siraj’s match-winning spell at The Oval, where India clinched the final Test by six runs to level the series 2-2.
Bumrah’s Impact Still Evident
Bumrah took 14 wickets in his three appearances, including two five-wicket hauls, but India lost both games in which he achieved those feats. Azharuddin warned that resting a key bowler without injury risked leaving the team short in crucial moments. “We were fortunate to win without him, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?” he asked.
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