Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred debate by suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah should be withdrawn from Test matches to manage his workload better. His remarks come amid growing concerns about the fast bowler’s physical strain from playing across all formats.
Ashwin emphasized that Bumrah’s role in limited-overs cricket is crucial and that preserving his fitness should be India’s top priority. Speaking about the balance between formats, Ashwin pointed out that sustaining peak performance in Tests, ODIs, and T20s is difficult for any pacer over the long term.
Former South African star AB de Villiers shared a similar opinion, noting that Bumrah’s presence is vital for India’s white-ball success. He remarked that fast bowlers like Bumrah need selective participation to avoid burnout and prolong their international careers.
“If India wants Bumrah to stay at his best for years, they must safeguard him from excessive Test exposure,” Ashwin stated.
Cricket analysts have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should adopt a rotation policy to ensure workload balance. This would allow Bumrah to remain effective while avoiding future injuries.
Author’s summary:
Ashwin’s suggestion to rest Jasprit Bumrah from Tests reignites the discussion on managing India’s star pacer’s workload to secure his long-term effectiveness across formats.