India lost the third Test against England in the ongoing five-match series and currently have one win so far. Questions over India in Whites’ form and ability to defeat their hosts continue to pile up after this recent defeat.
Bumrah has been involved in two 5-day Test matches so far in Leeds and at Lord’s but played no part in their victory against England in Birmingham. Issues surrounding Bumrah’s continued absence from the squad over workload management seems to irk a former Indian pacer.
Irfan Pathan represented India as a capable pacer across formats, and now believes the team is handing too much rest time to Bumrah. He made the remarks through his YouTube channel after India lost another Test meeting fans were expecting the team to win.
Pathan Compares Bumrah’s Workload Management to English Bowlers in Ongoing Series
Archer played in Test after 4 years and did not stop – Pathan says
Irfan criticised India’s Test team’s approach to manage Bumrah’s appearances in recent games with two comparisons. His first comparison was with Jofra Archer, the English bowler with a long list of injury woes in previous seasons. Archer is active in the ongoing Test but without obvious workload management of any kind:
“Archer was playing a Test match after four years but he did not stop. He bowled a six-over spell in the morning before returning to bowl again. Ben Stokes did not think about workload at all, if he can bowl nine overs, Indian pacers were left behind,” Pathan says.
No workload management talk for Stokes – Pathan comments
Pathan faulted the Indian Test strategy to rest Jasprit Bumrah at critical phases of the ongoing series. The retired Indian pacer compared India’s approach to their opponents who put on veteran bowler Ben Stokes at the centre of the current campaign:
“Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2 over spell in the morning on day five. What a player he is. He bowls, bats and executes a crucial run out of Rishabh Pant but there is no talk of workload management. But with India it is not like that,” Pathan said.
The Indian camp could have done better – Pathan suggests
The former Team India bowler believes Bumrah’s appearance for the Test squad at Lord’s should not have been managed. He believes relaxing roles for the iconic pacer may have cost India a vital match in the series:
“Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root to come out to bat when you need to control the game (in the second innings). It was disappointing. His workload was managed having not played at Edgbaston. When you play a match, there is no workload. You have to win at all costs. The Indian camp could have done that better,” he added.
India Loses More If Bumrah Plays – Former England Head Coach Alleges
Former Team England all-rounder and coach David Lloyd stirred controversy during a recent interview after claiming Bumrah’s appearances usually translate to losses for the Test team. He made this claim while regarding the undeniable talent Bumrah possesses, even if his individual contributions fail to prevent defeat for India in Whites:
“That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn’t play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella,” he said.
Bumrah may play in fourth series – Lloyd
The former England cricket coach also believes Bumrah will feature in the next game to edge it in India’s favour. He also believes Bumrah may sit out of the fifth and final Test if India lose again in this series:
“ If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval,” he added.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play in the Fourth E6NG vs IND 2025 Test?
It is unclear if Bumrah will play any role when India face their hosts for the fourth time in this series on July 23, 2025. However, it is certain that the cricket star will play in at least one more Test according to the earlier management plan drawn up by coaching staff.
Bumrah will undoubtedly feature in the final Test on July 31, 2025 if he doesn’t appear in the fourth Test starting on Wednesday.
