You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The recent decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against New Zealand has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. While some have supported the move, citing the need to manage Bumrah’s workload, others have questioned the decision, arguing that it sends a wrong message to the rest of the team. Ex-India cricketer Irfan Pathan is one such voice who has expressed his concerns over the decision.
In an interview with News18, Irfan Pathan criticized the decision to rest Bumrah, saying, “If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose.” He added that if a player is selected, they should be ready to play whenever called upon, regardless of the circumstances.
Pathan’s statement is a stark reminder of the sacrifices that cricketers make to represent their country. When you don the Indian jersey, you’re expected to put the team’s interests above your own personal concerns. The decision to rest Bumrah, however well-intentioned, sends a message that the team is willing to compromise on its strengths for the sake of player welfare.
The issue is not just about Bumrah or any individual player, but about the team’s overall preparedness. By resting Bumrah, the team is essentially admitting that it’s not ready to field its best XI every time. This can have far-reaching consequences, as it may lead to a culture of “pick and choose” among players.
Irfan Pathan’s concerns are not limited to Bumrah alone. He also highlighted the need for the team to plan for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Mohammad Shami won’t always be available. This is a crucial point, as both Bumrah and Shami have been instrumental in India’s success in recent years. The team’s ability to adapt and find alternative options will be put to the test in the coming months.
It’s not just about finding a replacement for Bumrah or Shami, but about creating a culture of depth and resilience within the team. The Indian team has been criticized in the past for its lack of bench strength, and the decision to rest Bumrah only serves to highlight this issue.
The debate surrounding Bumrah’s absence from the second Test has also brought into question the role of Akash Deep, the young pacer who has been called up as a replacement. While some have praised Deep’s inclusion, Irfan Pathan has expressed doubts about his ability to achieve stability in his performance.
Pathan’s concerns are rooted in the fact that Deep will only get to play during Bumrah’s absence, and may not be able to establish himself as a regular member of the team. This can lead to a situation where Deep becomes a one-dimensional player, only known for his ability to perform in specific conditions.
The decision to rest Bumrah has also led to speculation about India’s strategy ahead of the World Cup. While the team may be trying to manage Bumrah’s workload, it’s also important to remember that the World Cup is a once-in-four-years event. The team’s performance in the tournament will be judged on its ability to win matches, not on its ability to manage workloads.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of commitment and dedication in cricket. When you’re selected for the Indian team, you can’t pick and choose when you want to play. The team’s success depends on the collective effort of its players, and any decision that compromises on this principle can have far-reaching consequences.
As the Indian team prepares for the second Test against New Zealand, it’s crucial that it remembers the sacrifices that its players make to represent the country. The decision to rest Bumrah may have been taken with the best of intentions, but it’s also important to consider the bigger picture and the impact it may have on the team’s performance in the long run.
