Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his belief that Jasprit Bumrah should play all the remaining Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Bumrah, who has been in outstanding form, is currently the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series, with 12 wickets from two matches at an impressive average of 11.25.
This year, Bumrah has been a revelation, claiming 53 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.28. He played a pivotal role in India’s dominant 295-run win over Australia in the first Test in Perth, earning the Player of the Match award. Despite India’s heavy defeat in the second Test at Adelaide, where Australia won by 10 wickets, Bumrah continued to impress with a solid four-wicket performance.
There was some concern about his fitness during the Adelaide Test when Bumrah suffered from cramps. With Mohammed Shami sidelined India has leaned heavily on Bumrah to deliver in this high-pressure series. In light of this, Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s cricketing legends, has dismissed any concerns about Bumrah’s workload, stating that when playing for India, fitness should not be a limiting factor.
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“I would like him to play all five Test matches,” Sunil Gavaskar said. “When you’re playing for India, there’s no question about workload. He has to play unless he’s injured. The match finished in two and a half days, so he gets five days of rest. If he’s not injured and has been bowling four to five-over spells, that’s perfect. That’s how you manage him, unless he takes a couple of wickets in an over, then you can give him an extra spell.”
Sunil Gavaskar further described Bumrah as India’s “battering ram” and emphasized that resting him could significantly reduce India’s chances of taking 20 Australian wickets in a Test match.
“If you’re not going to play him in all five matches, you reduce your chances of taking 20 wickets,” he added. Gavaskar also noted that Bumrah’s usage should be carefully managed by the captain to ensure he remains effective throughout the series.
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India’s next challenge comes in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting December 14, where the fierce rivalry between India and Australia will continue.
