Title: You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The recent decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against Sri Lanka has raised eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity. Ex-India cricketer Irfan Pathan, a seasoned campaigner who represented the country in all formats, has expressed his reservations about the move. In an interview, Pathan questioned the decision to rest Bumrah, saying that if you’re selected for the Indian team, you can’t pick and choose when to play.
Bumrah, who has been an integral part of India’s pace attack in recent years, was given a break for the second Test against Sri Lanka. The move came as a surprise to many, especially given the team’s recent struggles with the ball. Pathan, however, feels that the decision was made without considering the bigger picture.
“If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose,” Pathan said in an interview. “You have to be available for the team. If you’re not available, then you’re not doing justice to your teammates and the team as a whole.”
Pathan’s comments come at a time when the Indian team is already dealing with a number of injuries and fitness issues. The absence of Bumrah, one of the team’s most potent pacers, has added to the team’s woes. Pathan feels that the decision to rest Bumrah has not only weakened the team but also created uncertainty about the team’s bowling attack.
“With Bumrah not playing, it’s not just about the wickets he can take, it’s also about the way he can set fields and give the bowlers an idea of how to operate,” Pathan said. “When a player of his caliber is not playing, it’s tough for the other bowlers to fill the gap.”
Pathan also expressed concerns about the lack of stability in India’s Test team. With Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, two of the team’s most experienced fast bowlers, not always available, the team is forced to rely on inexperienced bowlers. Pathan feels that this lack of stability will only lead to more problems in the long run.
“India needs to plan for Tests assuming Bumrah and Shami won’t always be available,” Pathan said. “You need to build a team that can perform consistently, regardless of who’s playing. Otherwise, you’ll keep having these ups and downs.”
Pathan’s comments also raised questions about the future of Akash Deep, the young pacer who was handed his Test debut in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Deep, who impressed with his pace and accuracy, was expected to continue in the team, but Pathan feels that he won’t be able to achieve stability in his performance.
“When Bumrah is playing, Deep won’t get a chance to play, and when Bumrah is not playing, Deep will have to play, but he won’t be able to settle down,” Pathan said. “You need players who can perform consistently, regardless of who’s playing. Otherwise, you’ll keep having these ups and downs.”
In conclusion, Pathan’s comments highlight the importance of having a consistent and stable bowling attack in Test cricket. The decision to rest Bumrah, while understandable from a workload perspective, may have unintended consequences for the team. Pathan’s words of wisdom serve as a reminder that if you’re selected for the Indian team, you need to be available and committed to the team’s cause.
