You Can’t Pick & Choose if Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The ongoing Test series between India and New Zealand has been marred by controversy, with the recent decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test sparking debate among cricket fans and experts alike. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the issue, expressing his disappointment at the decision and highlighting the importance of planning for Tests without relying on a few key players.
Bumrah, one of India’s most successful fast bowlers, was omitted from the playing XI for the second Test, with Akash Deep being called up as his replacement. While the decision was made with a view to managing Bumrah’s workload, Pathan believes that it sends the wrong message to other players.
“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 whenever needed. If you’re not available, then you shouldn’t be in the team.”
Pathan’s comments are a stark reminder that, in professional sports, availability is key. While it’s understandable that players need rest to avoid burnout, it’s equally important that they understand their responsibilities to the team. By resting Bumrah, the Indian team is sending a signal that certain players are more equal than others, which can create resentment and damage team morale.
Moreover, Pathan believes that Akash Deep, who has been called up as Bumrah’s replacement, will struggle to establish himself in the team. “He will play only during Bumrah’s absence, and he won’t get stability in his performance,” Pathan said. “If you’re not regular, you can’t expect to perform consistently.”
Pathan’s words of warning are particularly pertinent in the context of India’s Test team, which has been plagued by inconsistency in recent years. The team’s failure to win away from home, particularly in Australia and England, has been a major concern, and the absence of key players like Bumrah and Mohammad Shami only exacerbates the problem.
It’s clear that India needs to plan for Tests with a view to the future, rather than relying on the same set of players to deliver results. The team needs to develop a squad that can function effectively without its star players, and this requires a more nuanced approach to player management.
In his interview, Pathan highlighted the importance of developing a team culture that emphasizes collective responsibility over individual egos. “You can’t pick and choose when you’re playing for India,” he said. “You have to be available for the team, and you have to be willing to put the team’s interests ahead of your own.”
Pathan’s words are a wake-up call for the Indian team, which has been criticized for its lack of cohesion and teamwork in recent years. The team’s reliance on a few key players has led to a culture of individualism, where players are more concerned with their own careers than with the team’s success.
Ultimately, the decision to rest Bumrah and Shami is a tactical one that needs to be made with the team’s long-term interests in mind. While it’s understandable that the team wants to manage the workload of its key players, it’s equally important that they understand the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility.
As Pathan so aptly put it, “If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose.” It’s time for the Indian team to adopt a more holistic approach to player management, one that prioritizes teamwork and collective responsibility over individual egos and star power.
