Bumrah a Curse on India? Dinesh Karthik Rips Apart

India’s 2-2 series draw against England at The Oval brought plenty of praise for the team, but Jasprit Bumrah unexpectedly found himself at the centre of criticism. Some fans claimed India wins more often without him, pointing to victories in the second and fifth Tests—both games he missed.

The Real Reason Bumrah Missed Matches

Bumrah’s absence had nothing to do with form. He was rested for workload management, a step taken to protect him from injuries and ensure he remains fresh for big matches ahead. Over the years, he has carried India’s bowling attack and faced multiple injury setbacks, including two back injuries and a serious ACL issue in 2014.

Karthik Calls Out the Critics

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik dismissed the claims as unfair. “This stat of India winning when he doesn’t play… that’s not his fault. He’s so good that when he plays, others can look less impactful. That’s how dominant he is,” Karthik said.

He described Bumrah as India’s go-to bowler in every format—whether it’s a crucial breakthrough in Tests, death overs in T20s, or handling an old ball in ODIs. “Need a wicket? Go to Bumrah. T20 death overs? Bumrah. ODI with a useless old ball? Bumrah again,” Karthik added.

Built for Pressure Moments

Karthik also pushed back against suggestions that Bumrah avoids big games, emphasising that he thrives under pressure. He noted that Bumrah would be proud to see India’s younger bowlers stepping up in his absence.

A Place Among the Greats

In Karthik’s view, Bumrah deserves to be remembered alongside bowling legends like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Dale Steyn. Given the injuries he has battled through, Karthik urged fans to cut him some slack.

A couple of missed Tests do not change Bumrah’s status as India’s first-choice bowler in every format. Managing his body is smart, not selfish—and as Karthik put it, the man has earned the right to breathe.