You Can’t Pick & Choose if Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The Indian cricket team has been facing a plethora of issues, and one of the most pressing concerns is the workload management of their fast bowlers. The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against South Africa has raised a lot of eyebrows, with many questioning the team’s approach to managing the workload of their key players. Ex-India cricketer Irfan Pathan has also expressed his views on the matter, stating that if you’re selected for the Indian team, you cannot pick and choose when you want to play.
Bumrah’s absence from the second Test has been attributed to workload management, with the team management citing that they need to ensure the fast bowler’s longevity and prevent him from burning out. However, Pathan believes that this approach is flawed, and that the team should have a more holistic view of their fast bowling resources.
“If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose,” Pathan told News18. “You have to be available whenever the team needs you. You can’t say that I’m not playing because I’m tired or because I want to rest. If you’re selected, you have to be ready to perform whenever the team needs you.”
Pathan’s views are not uncommon, and many fans and experts have been criticizing the team’s decision to rest Bumrah. The fast bowler has been in top form, and his absence from the team could be a significant blow in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. Moreover, the team’s decision to rest Bumrah has also raised questions about the team’s planning and preparation for the Tests.
India’s bowling attack has been one of their strongest suits in recent years, with Bumrah and Mohammad Shami forming a formidable partnership. However, Pathan believes that the team needs to plan for the future, and not assume that these two bowlers will always be available.
“You can’t always assume that Bumrah and Shami will be available for every Test match,” Pathan said. “You have to plan for the future, and that means giving opportunities to other bowlers. If you’re not giving them opportunities, then how will they develop and become match-winners for the team?”
Pathan’s comments have also sparked a debate about the team’s decision to play Akash Deep in place of Bumrah. Deep, a young fast bowler, has been called up to the team for the second Test, but Pathan believes that he won’t be able to achieve stability in his performance as he’ll only be playing during Bumrah’s absence.
“I think it’s unfair to expect Akash Deep to perform well in this situation,” Pathan said. “He’s been called up to the team, but he’s not been given a chance to establish himself. He’ll play only during Bumrah’s absence, and that means he won’t be able to develop a rhythm or consistency in his bowling. You need to give him more opportunities to play and perform, and not just use him as a replacement for Bumrah.”
Pathan’s views are a reflection of the frustration and disappointment that many fans and experts have expressed about the team’s decision to rest Bumrah. The fast bowler’s absence is a significant blow, and the team’s inability to plan for the future is a cause for concern. As India looks to build a strong team for the future, they need to take a more holistic view of their fast bowling resources and not assume that Bumrah and Shami will always be available.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments have raised important questions about the team’s approach to managing the workload of their fast bowlers. The decision to rest Bumrah is a reflection of the team’s inability to plan for the future, and Pathan’s views are a reminder that the team needs to take a more holistic view of their fast bowling resources. As India looks to build a strong team for the future, they need to ensure that they have a clear plan in place for their fast bowlers, and not assume that Bumrah and Shami will always be available.
