Former India player Sunil Gavaskar showed frustration over the reports of the team management possibly resting veteran speedster Jasprit Bumrah as part of workload management for the third Test against England at Rajkot as well. However, the 30-year-old has been in sublime form with 15 wickets in the two Tests so far at an average of 10.66. Bumrah’s first innings spell of 6/45, followed by three more wickets in the second innings, powered India to a series-leveling 106-run win in the second Test as well.

In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar wrote, “So, to use that stupid word workload makes zero sense, especially when you see that in the two Test matches that have been played so far, Bumrah has bowled one delivery less than 58 overs. That translates to an average of around 15 overs per innings so far. Now, nobody in their right mind would suggest that he has been over-bowled.”

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“There were reports in some outlets that Jasprit Bumrah would be rested because of the so-called workload management. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened and Bumrah continues to be the vice-captain of the team. The series is still level, and there’s the psychological advantage that Bumrah holds on the English batters with his destructive bowling,” further added Gavaskar.

Jasprit Bumrah bowled almost 34 of his 58 overs in the second Test as well. And, the team management considered resting him for the third Test to have him refreshed for the final two Test matches as well. It is also worth remembering that Bumrah was out with a back injury for a year before returning last August as well.

“That nine-day gap between the second and third Tests is enough rest even for a bowler who would have bowled double the number of overs Bumrah has bowled so far. With both Tests ending in four days, the players have had an extra day off as well. So, there really should be no talk of workload. Bumrah is playing for his country’s cricket team, and he as well as the others should be prepared to do the extra work that may be asked of them. The privilege of playing for the country, especially the highest form of the game, Test match cricket, should never be taken for granted by anybody, however big he may be,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.