The workload management of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been a topic of much discussion, especially after he played only three of the five Tests in the recent series against England. While some fans and experts have criticized the decision to rest him, former BCCI chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma has come out in support of Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of trusting the advice of the team's physios.
Sharma, a former fast bowler himself, believes that players should adhere to the recommendations of the medical team, stating that they are the "better judges" when it comes to workload management. He drew an analogy to a patient following a doctor's instructions, saying, "If the medical team advises, if the doctor tells me that I have to take antibiotics, then I have to consume them. If our physios are telling a player to manage workload, I think we should listen to them because they are the better judges".
Bumrah's absence from the final Test against England, with India trailing 1-2, drew backlash from fans and pundits. However, Sharma defended the decision, asserting that the physios are best placed to assess a player's physical condition and determine the appropriate course of action.
Some have argued that Bumrah, as the team's best fast bowler, should be taking more of a load. However, others point out that Bumrah has bowled nearly as much as Mohammed Siraj since the latter's debut, despite a one-year injury gap, and more balls per Test. In Bumrah's absence during the England tour, Mohammed Siraj's bowling and Prasidh Krishna's timely strikes helped India square the series.
Sharma also expressed confidence in India's chances in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9. He lauded the team's performance in England and believes they have a good chance of winning the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be held in India. "I know that whoever is selected will be the best for the country. And the kind of cricket we are playing right now, I'm really proud with the way India played in England. And I'm very confident that we are definitely going to win the Asia Cup (to be played in T20 format) because soon after that we are playing the T20 World Cup (in 2026) in India," Sharma said.
Ultimately, the debate over Jasprit Bumrah's workload management highlights the complexities of balancing player fitness with team performance. While some may question the decisions made, Chetan Sharma's backing underscores the importance of trusting the expertise of the medical professionals who are responsible for ensuring the players' well-being.
