You Can’t Pick & Choose if Selected for India: Irfan on Bumrah
In recent times, the Indian cricket team has been plagued by the issue of workload management, and the latest casualty is none other than the star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was rested for the second Test against Sri Lanka, citing fatigue and workload management as the reasons. While the decision may have been taken with the best of intentions, it has sparked a heated debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, who has been vocal about his opinions on the Indian team’s lineup and strategies, has weighed in on the matter. In an interview, Pathan expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision to rest Bumrah, stating that a player cannot “pick and choose” when it comes to representing the national team.
“If you’re selected for the Indian team, then because of workload, you cannot pick and choose,” Pathan said. “You have to be prepared to play whenever the team requires you. You cannot say that I’m not playing because of workload or fatigue. If you’re not fit, then you should not be playing in the first place.”
Pathan’s comments may seem harsh, but they highlight the importance of commitment and dedication required to play for the Indian national team. Once a player is selected, they are expected to be available for selection whenever the team requires them. Resting a player like Bumrah, who is one of the best fast bowlers in the world, can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the team but also for the player himself.
Furthermore, Pathan questioned the logic behind resting Bumrah, stating that it would create uncertainty and instability in the team. “If Bumrah is not playing, then Akash Deep will play. But will Akash Deep be able to achieve stability in his performance? I don’t think so. He’ll play only during Bumrah’s absence, and that’s not the way to build a team,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s concerns are valid, as resting a player like Bumrah can create a ripple effect in the team’s dynamics. It can lead to uncertainty and instability, especially in the bowling department, where Bumrah’s absence would be deeply felt. Moreover, it can also create a sense of entitlement among players, where they feel that they can pick and choose when they want to play.
In addition, Pathan emphasized the need for India to plan for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, another key fast bowler, won’t always be available. “We need to plan our Tests thinking that Bumrah and Shami won’t always be available. We need to develop other bowlers and give them opportunities to play,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s comments are a timely reminder of the need for India to develop a more sustainable and balanced approach to workload management. While it’s essential to protect players from injury and fatigue, it’s equally important to ensure that the team is well-prepared and equipped to face challenges without relying on a few star players.
In conclusion, Irfan Pathan’s comments on Bumrah’s absence from the second Test are a stark reminder of the importance of commitment and dedication required to play for the Indian national team. While resting a player like Bumrah may seem like a logical decision, it can have far-reaching consequences and create uncertainty and instability in the team. It’s high time for India to develop a more sustainable approach to workload management and plan for Tests assuming that Bumrah and Shami won’t always be available.
