You Can’t Pick & Choose If Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
The Indian cricket team has been dealing with a plethora of issues in recent times, and the latest controversy surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s omission from the second Test against Sri Lanka has sparked a heated debate. While many have questioned the decision to rest Bumrah, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has taken a strong stance, stating that if you’re selected for the Indian team, you can’t pick and choose when to play.
In an interview with News18, Irfan Pathan expressed his disappointment over Bumrah’s absence from the second Test, saying, “If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose. You have to be available for the team whenever the team needs you.” He added, “If you’re not available, then you shouldn’t be playing for the Indian team.”
Pathan’s comments come as a surprise, considering that Bumrah has been one of India’s most successful fast bowlers in recent times. The 28-year-old has been instrumental in the team’s success in various formats, and his absence from the second Test has raised eyebrows. However, Pathan believes that the decision to rest Bumrah is a result of the team management’s concern for his workload.
The former left-arm pacer, who played 174 international matches for India, understands the importance of workload management in modern cricket. He acknowledged that cricketers are human beings and need rest to avoid injuries and maintain their performance levels. However, he emphasized that the decision to rest Bumrah should have been taken with more consideration for the team’s needs.
Pathan also questioned the decision to bring in Akash Deep as Bumrah’s replacement, stating that the young bowler will struggle to achieve stability in his performance. “When Bumrah is not available, you can’t just bring in someone and expect them to perform. Akash Deep is a good bowler, but he needs to play consistently to gain experience and confidence,” he said.
Irfan Pathan’s comments have sparked a debate about the Indian team’s selection policy and the need for a more balanced approach to workload management. While it’s understandable that the team management wants to protect its players from burnout, it’s equally important to consider the team’s needs and the impact of resting key players on the team’s performance.
The Indian team has been plagued by injuries and absences in recent times, and the decision to rest Bumrah has raised questions about the team’s depth and preparation. Pathan believes that India needs to plan for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Mohammad Shami won’t always be available. “You can’t just keep relying on the same bowlers and expect them to perform consistently. You need to have a pool of bowlers who can step up and perform when needed,” he said.
Pathan’s comments have also sparked a debate about the role of fast bowlers in Indian cricket. While India has produced some exceptional fast bowlers in recent times, the team has struggled to maintain a consistent pace attack. Pathan believes that the team needs to develop a more robust pace attack to succeed in Test cricket.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the Indian team’s selection policy and the need for a more balanced approach to workload management. While it’s understandable that the team management wants to protect its players from burnout, it’s equally important to consider the team’s needs and the impact of resting key players on the team’s performance.
As the Indian team navigates the challenges of modern cricket, it’s clear that the team management needs to take a more holistic approach to selection and workload management. With a plethora of talented fast bowlers at its disposal, India needs to develop a more robust pace attack to succeed in Test cricket.
