Title: You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The ongoing Test series between India and Sri Lanka has witnessed a plethora of discussions and debates, especially with regards to the omission of Jasprit Bumrah from the second Test. The decision to rest the ace pacer has been met with criticism from many quarters, with former India cricketer Irfan Pathan being the latest to express his displeasure.
In a recent interview, Irfan Pathan questioned the decision to rest Bumrah, stating that if you’re selected for the Indian team, then you cannot pick and choose when you want to play or rest. He emphasized that the team’s success depends on the collective efforts of all players, and that individuals cannot prioritize their own needs over the team’s requirements.
“I think it’s very difficult to pick and choose when you’re selected for the Indian team. If you’re selected, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose. You have to be available for the team,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s comments come as a surprise, given that Bumrah has been an integral part of the Indian team’s success in recent years. However, the former cricketer’s point is well-taken, especially in the context of the current Test series. The Indian team’s bowling unit has been put to the test, with several top bowlers struggling to make an impact.
Bumrah’s absence has been particularly felt, given his impressive record in Test cricket. His pace and accuracy have been crucial in breaking partnerships and taking wickets, and his absence has left a void in the Indian bowling attack. However, Pathan’s criticism of Bumrah’s omission is not just about the player, but also about the team’s overall strategy.
Pathan also expressed his concerns about the team’s lack of planning and preparation for Tests, stating that they must assume that Bumrah and Mohammad Shami won’t always be available. He highlighted that the team must have a plan B and C in place, rather than relying solely on a few players.
“We have to plan for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Shami won’t always be available. We need to have a plan B and C in place. We can’t just rely on a few players,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s comments are a stark reminder of the challenges that Indian cricket faces in terms of player management and team strategy. The team’s reliance on a few top players has often been criticized, and Pathan’s words serve as a warning that they must be prepared for the unexpected.
One of the concerns that has been raised is the lack of experience in the Indian bowling unit. The team has been relying heavily on Bumrah and Shami, and their absence has left a void in the attack. Pathan’s criticism of the team’s lack of planning and preparation is well-taken, especially given the challenges that they face in Test cricket.
The debate around Bumrah’s omission has also raised questions about the team’s rotation policy. The Indian team has been experimenting with different bowlers, but it remains to be seen whether they have a clear plan in place. Pathan’s words serve as a reminder that the team must have a clear strategy in place, rather than relying on ad-hoc decisions.
The decision to rest Bumrah has also raised questions about the team’s priorities. The Indian team has been focusing on the World Test Championship, and their decision to rest Bumrah has been seen as a compromise between the short-term and long-term goals. Pathan’s criticism of the decision is well-taken, especially given the importance of the World Test Championship.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments on Bumrah’s absence from the second Test are a timely reminder of the challenges that Indian cricket faces. The team must have a clear plan in place, rather than relying on ad-hoc decisions. They must also be prepared for the unexpected, and have a plan B and C in place.
The debate around Bumrah’s omission is far from over, and it remains to be seen how the Indian team will respond to the challenges that they face. However, one thing is clear – the team must prioritize their goals and have a clear strategy in place. Anything less would be a recipe for disaster.
