Jasprit Bumrah is once again in the spotlight, but not for his bowling. As India face West Indies in the second Test in New Delhi, debates have surfaced over whether the star pacer should be playing in a series India already lead comfortably.
Experts call for rest and rotation
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has suggested that Bumrah should be rested to manage his workload better. Speaking on JioStar, Nayar said, “I think Bumrah will play this Test. The selection shows India want to win big for WTC points. But personally, I’d rest him because he’s extremely valuable. After this series, we have another Test series and the T20 World Cup. He needs some rest.”
Praise for India’s young talent
Nayar also highlighted the performances of KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudharsan, saying the current squad has the right balance of skill and temperament.
Debate over workload management
Bumrah’s workload has been a topic of concern since his injury setbacks in 2023. While the management has been cautious, the decision to play him in both Tests against a struggling West Indies side has left fans and experts divided.
A flat pitch raises more questions
The pitch in Delhi is expected to be flat and batting-friendly, offering little for pacers. Many feel this would have been the ideal match to rest Bumrah, especially with the Australia series and T20 World Cup approaching.
Fans question selection logic
Social media reactions have been strong. One fan wrote, “Why play Bumrah on a dead pitch in Delhi? When there’s an important series, he’s rested, but now he’s playing.” Another said, “During Virat’s time, players like Bumrah were rested in India to perform better overseas. Now it’s the opposite.”
Looking ahead
Some even accused Bumrah of chasing statistics rather than prioritising key matches. Regardless of opinions, one thing is clear — India must manage Bumrah’s workload carefully. He remains their most valuable bowler, and keeping him fit for the long season ahead will be crucial.
