The topic of workload management refuses to die down in Indian Cricket, and remains a pretty controversial one. While there are a few experts and critics who feel players' workload should be managed efficiently because of the amount of cricket they play across the three formats throughout the year, other experts feel players should be available whenever the team needs them, as the country should come first. Recently, Jasprit Bumrah's case remains the most debated one regarding workload management, especially as the premier pacer skips international games but is always ready to play IPL.
Cricketer-turned-expert Irfan Pathan gave an example of Australia skipper Pat Cummins as he launched a scathing attack on India pacer and head coach Gautam Gambhir over the bowler's workload management. While the former India all-rounder not against Bumrah's workload issue, he has failed to understand the point why the speedster has to be rested for some Tests during India's five-match Test tour to England.
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"I just have one thing to say, you would have heard recently that Pat Cummins will skip many games to manage his workload for the Ashes. But will Cummins manage his workload during the Ashes? My question is that only. By all means, manage workload, yes. SENA countries are tough places to go and win. There, your main bowlers must play as many games as they can. During the series, a top series, you will not get the result if you look to manage workload there," he said during a chat with media in a group call arranged by the Sony Sports Network, the broadcasters of the Asia Cup 2025.
"About the workload, there has been a lot of talk about it. I feel that there are some important players, Jasprit Bumrah or any other fast bowler, you manage everybody's workload. You should as well, and the setup has been outstanding from BCCI and NCA. The workload is managed really well," he added.
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Why did Jasprit Bumrah play three Tests against England?
For the unversed, it was Gambhir's and his coaching staff's decision to play Bumrah for three of the five Tests. The former India opener had already announced publicly that the pacer will feature in three Tests only before the start of the series. Despite the series being on line in the fifth & final Oval Test, the premier pacer did not feature in it. With his blunt take on the workload management call, Pathan also questioned the coach's stance.
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Bumrah will be next seen in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 tournament, starting on September 09 to 28. The pacer will spearhead India's attack as they look to defend the title.
