Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has questioned the management for Jasprit Bumrah‘s workload during the present Test series against England, following India’s tight defeat at Lord’s. The speed spearhead will play only three of the five Tests, having been rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, despite a one-week break since the series opener at Headingley.
Before the visit, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Jasprit Bumrah’s availability will be limited due to injury worries.
The right-arm pacer suffered an injury during the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, after appearing in all five matches in Australia.
“What is crucial is to play for India; if you are not fit, do not play at all. He had a gap of around 7-8 days from the first Test match, yet he was still not included in the second Test, which was unacceptable. Perhaps it was acceptable to Agarkar and Gambhir,” Vengsarkar stated in an interview.
“I don’t agree with bowlers picking and choosing Test matches. If you are fit and available, you should play every match for your country. Bumrah is a world-class bowler who can win matches for India. But once you’re on tour, you must play every match. “There is no question about choosing matches based on personal preference,” he added.
Vengsarkar confessed that Ravindra Jadeja would be shattered following India’s 22-run defeat to England at Lords. On Day 5, India was chasing a score of 193 but only managed 82 for 7. Jadeja, along with the lower-order hitters, kept the fight going and India in the game to the conclusion.
“Someone had to take a risk, and Bumrah did his best.” Jadeja kept our dreams alive, but it wasn’t to be. Siraj tried, but you can’t expect your No. 11 to stick around for long. “Jadeja might have been completely shattered,” Vengsarkar stated.
England has a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series. The fourth Test will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday, July 23.
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