The debate surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management and his limited appearances in Test cricket refuses to die down. The world’s No. 1-ranked pacer was part of India’s squad for the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England but played only three matches, opting out of two owing to workload concerns. Interestingly, India won both Tests that Bumrah missed, sparking questions about his availability and long-term role in the format.
Many experts argue that a player should be picked for a Test series only if he is available for every game, barring injuries sustained mid-tour. Adding fuel to this ongoing debate, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested that Bumrah should no longer be India’s automatic frontline pick in Tests.
Writing in his Hindustan Times column, Sanjay Manjrekar praised India’s overall performance but didn’t shy away from critiquing Bumrah’s intermittent availability. “The game always shows us the mirror, however much we try to gloss over things. It was poetic justice that the two Tests India won were the ones Bumrah did not play,” he wrote.
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Manjrekar further stated that India’s selectors must be willing to make bold choices. “This series has taught us a big lesson. India won without Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Bumrah. It proves the eternal truth of sport—no one, however great, is indispensable,” he added.
He emphasized that match fitness and availability should outweigh big reputations. “For me, players who are eager, fit, and ready to perform should always be picked ahead of a highly skilled name who cannot commit consistently. It inspires those players even more.”
Citing the performances of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, Manjrekar pointed out that they managed to replicate Bumrah’s impact in crucial wins. While he admitted this may not be sustainable over time, he urged selectors to take tough calls, just as they have done with Kuldeep Yadav in the past.
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As a self-confessed admirer of Bumrah, Manjrekar concluded with a sharp message: “If Bumrah truly wants to serve Indian Test cricket, durability and longevity are key. The real test of greatness lies in delivering even when not at 100%. Indian cricket should not adjust for Bumrah—he must adjust if he wishes to remain indispensable.”
