India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat by a 3-1 margin was a disappointing outcome for the team, with most players failing to rise to the occasion. However, amidst the loss, one player stood out for his exceptional effort—Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pacer delivered an outstanding performance throughout the series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive 32 wickets.
Despite his stellar performance, former Indian wicketkeeper and commentator Deep Dasgupta has urged the selectors and team management to be cautious with Bumrah’s workload. Dasgupta recommended that Bumrah be rested for the upcoming white-ball series against England, emphasizing that the pacer should not be overexerted and should be kept fresh for the Champions Trophy, which is set to take place later this year.
“Let him rest. Don’t even think about it till the Champions Trophy. Maybe, the last ODI if he is ready for it. Obviously, we are not sure about the extent of that back spasm, as we were told. So, we need to figure that out,” Deep Dasgupta said on Star Sports.
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Bumrah had reportedly suffered a back spasm after complaining of a niggle during India’s second innings in the Sydney Test. His condition was serious enough for him to miss bowling in the final innings of the series, with medical assessments taking him to a nearby hospital.
Dasgupta’s advice comes in the wake of this injury, as he calls for caution in managing the workload of key players like Bumrah.Deep Dasgupta also expressed similar concerns about Mohammed Siraj, who bowled a staggering 157.1 overs during the series. “Let’s park Jasprit Bumrah for the time being, and with Siraj as well. I think he has bowled 150-plus overs this series. He needs a well-deserved rest as well,” he stated, underscoring the importance of rest and recovery for the pace bowlers.
Additionally, Deep Dasgupta suggested that Mohammed Shami, who has been active in the domestic circuit, should be included in India’s squad for the series against England. Shami’s recent involvement in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy indicates that he is match-ready.
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“Mohammed Shami has been playing domestic cricket. He has played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. You know he is ready to bowl four overs or 10 overs. Would you want to keep him in the loop with the Champions Trophy coming up? Might not be a bad option,” he reasoned.
With India set to play five ODIs and three T20Is against England before the Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket fraternity will be hoping that Bumrah is fully fit and ready for the marquee event.
