ENG vs IND 2025: 'If you're fit, you should play all matches' - Former India captain on Jasprit Bumrah's workload management
"What is important is playing for India and if you are unfit, then don’t play at all," said Vengsarkar.
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Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has criticised the management over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload during the ongoing Test series against England, following India’s narrow loss at Lord’s. The pace spearhead is set to feature in only three of the five Tests, having been rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, despite a one-week gap after the series opener at Headingley.
Before the tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had indicated that Bumrah’s availability would be limited due to injury concerns. The right-arm pacer had sustained an injury towards the end of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, after featuring in all five matches in Australia.
"What is important is playing for India and if you are unfit, then don’t play at all. He had a gap of almost 7-8 days after the first Test match, but still was not included for the second Test which was not acceptable. Maybe it was acceptable for Agarkar and Gambhir," Vengsarkar said in an interview with RevSportz.
"I’m not in favour of bowlers picking and choosing Test matches. If you’re fit and available, you should play all the matches for your country. Bumrah is a world-class bowler, and he can win matches for India. But once you’re on tour, you need to play every match. There’s no question of selecting matches based on personal preference," he added.
Deep Dasgupta urges Jasprit Bumrah to play Manchester Test
Vengsarkar admitted that Ravindra Jadeja would be shattered after India’s 22-run loss to England at Lord’s. India were chasing a target of 193 on Day 5, but collapsed to 82 for 7. Jadeja, along with the lower-order batters, kept the fight alive and kept India in the contest until the very end.
"Someone needed to take a risk, and Bumrah tried his best. Jadeja kept the hopes alive for us, but it wasn’t to be. Siraj tried but you don’t expect your No 11 to be around for a long time. Jadeja might have been absolutely shattered," Vengsarkar said.
England now have a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The fourth Test will be held at Old Trafford, Manchester from Wednesday, July 23.
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