Sunil Gavaskar has ignited a fresh debate surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's role in the Indian cricket team, asserting that "nobody is indispensable". Gavaskar's comments come in the wake of India's recent Test series against England and ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where Bumrah is expected to feature. The legendary cricketer also subtly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, urging them to prioritize Indian cricket's interests.

Gavaskar questioned the decision to rest Bumrah for two of the five Tests against England, despite the pacer making himself available for the Asia Cup. He emphasized the importance of the selectors strategically deciding when Bumrah should play, keeping in mind the bigger picture. Gavaskar's remarks suggest a concern that Bumrah's workload is being managed without a clear, consistent plan, potentially harming the team in the long run.

Gavaskar highlighted India's recent victory in the Champions Trophy 2025, achieved without Bumrah, to support his argument that no player is irreplaceable. He acknowledged Bumrah's importance but pointed out that India has also won matches without key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This underscores Gavaskar's belief in the depth of Indian cricket talent and the team's ability to perform even without its biggest stars.

Sanjay Manjrekar echoed similar sentiments, noting that India won the two Test matches against England in which Bumrah did not play. Manjrekar suggested that Bumrah should be treated like Kuldeep Yadav, implying that if Bumrah cannot consistently play matches, he should not be an automatic selection.

Gavaskar has been critical of the team's management and selection decisions in the past. Following India's loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, he raised concerns about Virat Kohli's place in the Test team. He suggested that Kohli should play in the Ranji Trophy to regain his form and secure his spot in the squad. Gavaskar has also previously questioned the selectors' approach, particularly their reliance on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test matches against weaker opponents. He expressed his hope that Ajit Agarkar's appointment as chief selector would bring about a change in this approach, focusing on building a team for the future.

Gavaskar's warning to Bumrah and his call to the BCCI and Ajit Agarkar reflect his deep concern for the future of Indian cricket. While acknowledging Bumrah's talent, Gavaskar wants to ensure that the team's interests are prioritized and that decisions regarding player workload management are made strategically. He has consistently advocated for building a strong team with a pool of talented players, rather than relying too heavily on a few individuals.