Following a drawn Test series between India and England, achieved by a team featuring a new captain and young players, attention has turned to Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and workload. This issue has sparked debates among experts and fans, with some criticizing the Indian bowler. Monty Panesar, a former England bowler, believes that Mohammed Siraj’s capacity to win matches for India warrants a specific approach for Bumrah.
Bumrah played in only three matches of the five-Test series. It was predetermined that he would participate in only three matches during the tour. India did not win any of the matches Bumrah played in, and he was absent for the two matches that led to the series draw. Siraj delivered outstanding performances in those two matches, securing five wickets each and leading the bowling attack. This situation raises questions about relying on Bumrah, considering his fitness and workload. The debate includes whether special allowances should be given to him.
Due to Bumrah’s significance and unique abilities, various opinions have emerged. Panesar, a spinner of Indian descent, shared his perspectives on the matter. In an interview, he was asked if Team India should contemplate playing without Bumrah or limiting him to overseas matches. The English spinner proposed that Bumrah should be selected for all matches abroad. Panesar commented, “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 implement Panesar’s suggestion will become apparent over the next two months. India is slated to play its next two Test series at home, facing the West Indies and South Africa. Whether Bumrah will play in both series or take a rest will reveal the team management’s strategies. Panesar’s suggestion mirrors the situation under Virat Kohli’s captaincy when Bumrah debuted and played his initial Tests abroad while being rested in India.