You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
In a recent interview, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his concerns over the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test match against Sri Lanka. While many fans and experts have been debating the move, Irfan’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of discussion in the cricketing fraternity.
Irfan, a seasoned all-rounder who played 174 international matches for India, questioned the logic behind resting Bumrah, one of the country’s top bowlers. “If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose,” he said. “You have to be available for every game, whether it’s a Test, ODI or T20.”
The veteran cricketer’s comments come at a time when the Indian team is grappling with the issue of workload management. With a busy international schedule ahead, the team management has been under pressure to ensure that players are not overburdened. While resting Bumrah might seem like a sensible decision to manage his workload, Irfan feels that it sends the wrong message.
“If you’re not available for a particular game, then you should not be playing for India,” he emphasized. “You have to be available for every game, and if you’re not, then you should not be playing for India.”
Irfan’s concerns are not limited to Bumrah’s absence alone. He also feels that the decision to rest him will have a ripple effect on the team’s dynamics. “When you rest someone like Bumrah, it creates an opportunity for another player to come in,” he said. “But that player will not get the chance to settle down and stabilize his performance, because he’ll be playing only during Bumrah’s absence.”
The 37-year-old cricketer believes that the Indian team needs to have a long-term plan in place, particularly when it comes to Test cricket. “India must plan for Tests assuming Bumrah and Mohammad Shami won’t always be available,” he said. “We need to have a backup plan in place, and that’s where players like Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar come in.”
Irfan’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with many fans and experts weighing in on the issue. While some have defended the decision to rest Bumrah, citing concerns over his workload, others have criticized the move, saying it sends the wrong message to the team and the fans.
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, Irfan remains committed to his stance. “If you’re selected for India, then you have to be available for every game,” he reiterated. “You can’t pick and choose. That’s not the way to manage a team, and that’s not the way to win matches.”
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of commitment and availability in international cricket. As the Indian team navigates the complexities of workload management, it’s essential to strike a balance between player welfare and team requirements. By resting players like Bumrah, the team management is sending a message that availability is not a guarantee, and that can have far-reaching consequences.
