Jasprit Bumrah, one of India's premier fast bowlers, has recently faced criticism for his workload management during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England. The Indian team management had announced before the series that Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. He missed the second and fifth Tests, leading to questions from fans and former players regarding his commitment to the team. This criticism has been met with strong defense from former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who has called the remarks "unfair" and has emphasized the seriousness of Bumrah's injury history.
Arun, who played a pivotal role in Bumrah's rise, reminded critics of the back injury that nearly ended Bumrah's career. "It's so sad to hear about this stuff against Bumrah. He has had a serious surgery, and people should understand it is not as if the surgery is done and he is all good forever. No, this is far more serious stuff on his back now," Arun told The Indian Express. He stressed that Bumrah's body requires careful management to protect him from further damage.
The former bowling coach also addressed the criticism that Bumrah was "picking and choosing" matches. "It's not picking and choosing. Just a few months back, he was hailed as the world's greatest fast bowler in Australia, and now, he is being criticised unfairly. Did he underperform in the three Tests? Two fifers he took," Arun stated. Bumrah took 14 wickets in the three matches he played, averaging 26, and recorded two five-wicket hauls.
Arun further explained that the decision to limit Bumrah's participation was made well in advance to avoid the exact situation that has unfolded. "Why do you think it was announced way before the series itself that he will play 3 Tests; precisely to stop this kind of nonsense. Not for the world to fall to temptation and say play him as this Test is crucial … His body is like that now. We have to be careful and understand how hard this entire effort is and such a great feat for him to do what he is doing – playing for India through all this," Arun said.
Aakash Chopra, former India opener, also addressed the criticism, noting the shift from praise to trolling. "There was talk about how India couldn't find a better captain than Jasprit Bumrah," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "It started with praise, but now it's turned into trolling, with people saying the team loses when he plays and that he doesn't take full responsibility. From being 'Boom Boom Bumrah,' our fans have become 'gumrah.' I'm surprised and saddened by this," Chopra added.
Dinesh Karthik, former India wicketkeeper-batter, also defended Bumrah, emphasizing his importance to the team. "He is in the ground, as a captain, any big moment, you go to Jasprit Bumrah," Karthik said. He added that Bumrah's absence in the winning games was not his fault and that he would be remembered alongside legends like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Dale Steyn.
Despite Bumrah's absence in the final Test, India won the match, resulting in a 2-2 draw for the series. Mohammed Siraj's performance in the fifth Test, where he took a five-wicket haul, played a crucial role in India's victory. Some reports suggest that the BCCI may take a stricter stance on players "picking and choosing" matches, but Arun has firmly dismissed this notion, reiterating the need to manage Bumrah's workload carefully. Ryan Ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, also defended Bumrah, stating that the team management is respecting his body condition and managing his workload smartly.
