You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The Indian cricket team is currently facing a situation where one of its star bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, has been rested for the second Test against Bangladesh. This decision has sparked a lot of debate among cricket enthusiasts, with many questioning the need to rest a player of Bumrah’s caliber. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has also joined the chorus, criticizing the decision and saying that if you’re selected for the Indian team, you can’t pick and choose when to play.
In an interview, Pathan expressed his disappointment at the decision to rest Bumrah, saying, “If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose. You have to play whenever the team wants you to play.” He emphasized that the Indian team needs to have a clear plan for its bowlers, taking into account the workload and the importance of each player.
Pathan also pointed out that Akash Deep, who was called up as a replacement for Bumrah, may not be able to achieve stability in his performance. “Akash Deep is a talented bowler, but he will only play during Bumrah’s absence. He won’t get the opportunity to play regularly and that’s why I think he will struggle to find his rhythm,” he said.
The former all-rounder also highlighted the importance of planning for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Mohammad Shami won’t always be available. “India needs to plan for Tests keeping in mind that Bumrah and Shami won’t always be available. They need to identify other bowlers who can fill the gaps and perform consistently,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s comments come at a time when the Indian team is facing a crisis in its bowling department. With Bumrah and Shami being rested, the team is relying heavily on other bowlers, including Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. While both bowlers have done well in the past, they are not as experienced as Bumrah and Shami, and the team’s bowling attack may be vulnerable to opposition attacks.
The decision to rest Bumrah has also raised questions about the team’s attitude towards workload management. While the team has been emphasizing the importance of workload management in recent times, the decision to rest Bumrah has left many wondering whether the team is prioritizing short-term gains over long-term plans.
In recent years, the Indian team has been plagued by injuries to its key players, including Bumrah, Shami, and Vijay Shankar. The team’s inability to manage the workload of its players has led to a situation where players are forced to take breaks and miss important matches.
Pathan’s comments are a reminder that the Indian team needs to adopt a more holistic approach to workload management. The team needs to identify the workload of its players, including bowlers and batsmen, and plan accordingly. This may involve resting players more frequently, but it will also help to prevent injuries and ensure that the team has a consistent performance throughout the season.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments highlight the importance of planning and preparation in Indian cricket. The team needs to adopt a more structured approach to workload management, taking into account the workload and importance of each player. This will help to ensure that the team has a consistent performance throughout the season and that key players are not forced to take breaks and miss important matches.
