Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar says Jasprit Bumrah should have played only a few matches in the Indian Premier League 2025 or avoided it entirely to be fit for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bumrah appeared in only three of the five Tests during India’s tour of England, as team management closely monitored his workload.
Vengsarkar stated that if he had been India’s chief selector, he would have spoken with Bumrah and Mukesh Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians (MI), and advised the talismanic pacer to play only a few IPL games in order to be healthy and ready for the England tour.
It is worth noting that Bumrah played all five Tests against Australia in the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he suffered a stress fracture in his back during the fifth and final Test match, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy. Bumrah too missed the opening few games of the IPL before joining the five-time champions.
“If I was the India chief selector, I would have convinced Mukesh Ambani (Mumbai Indians owner) and Bumrah that it was important for Bumrah to miss the IPL for the England series, or play a lesser number of matches in the IPL. I’m sure that they would have agreed to do so,” Vengsarkar told TOI.
Considering the importance of the India versus England Tests series and his fragile back, Bumrah should have been told by the BCCI, selectors and the Indian team management to miss IPL-2025. It was very important that we had a fully fit and refreshed Bumrah for this iconic series.”
We must remember that Bumrah has undergone back surgery: Dilip Vengsarkar
While some fans and experts have lambasted Bumrah for picking and choosing matches on the England tour, Vengsarkar reminded everyone that the 31-year-old recently had back surgery. The 69-year-old brushed aside talk about the right-arm seamer’s commitment to the nation.
“You can’t blame Bumrah for missing matches at times. We must remember that Bumrah has undergone a back surgery. His back is vulnerable and we must be cautious with him. You can’t question his commitment for the country. He has given his all whenever he has played for India. I hope he returns for India after adequate rest and when fully fit,” said Vengsarkar.
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