"Sunil Gavaskar Issues a Serious Statement Regarding Jasprit Bumrah's Workload Before the 4th Test - Not a Time for Vacation, Says Gavaskar"
Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has been the subject of intense discussion regarding his workload management ahead of the fourth Test against England. The third Test ended in a narrow 22-run victory for England, with India being bowled out for 170 while chasing a target of 193.
Bumrah, who underwent back surgery in March, had been planned to miss two of the five Tests. Despite sitting out the second Test at Edgbaston, he returned strongly, taking 12 wickets at an average of 21.00 so far in the series, including two five-wicket hauls.
However, the question of whether Bumrah will play in the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford remains unanswered. India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has indicated that the team will make a final decision closer to the match, considering both Bumrah’s fitness and the availability of other bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh.
The management must also manage the workload of Mohammed Siraj, who has bowled more overs than Bumrah this series and is India’s leading wicket-taker. The team is balancing the need for Bumrah’s match-winning ability against the risk of aggravating his back, especially with another eight-day break between the third and fourth Tests.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has made it clear that players need to prioritize national duty over rest during such crucial series. Gavaskar stated, "No superstar player should take a break. You have not come here for a holiday. You should get some cricket. You are playing for India. You are not here for a cruise or something like that."
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has revealed that Bumrah had indicated his availability for only three of the five matches. This revelation has sparked debate, with some former players and experts arguing that India has been too conservative with Bumrah’s workload.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been particularly critical, suggesting that in a must-win scenario, workload management should not override the immediate goal of winning a Test. Conversely, others—including former England spinner Monty Panesar—insist that Bumrah “has to play” in Manchester given his ability to swing games and the stakes of the series.
With the series level at 2-1, the fourth Test is a must-win for India to stay alive in the five-match Test series. The team’s approach reflects a cautious, flexible strategy, balancing immediate competitive needs with Bumrah’s health for future assignments.
The England squad for the fourth Test includes Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes. Liam Dawson has been included in England’s squad for the fourth Test, replacing Shoaib Bashir.
As the fourth Test approaches, the focus remains on Bumrah and his fitness. The team management will make a final decision based on data and fitness, with arguments both for and against his inclusion amplified by the high stakes of the match.
"With the ongoing discussions surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's workload management, it is crucial to consider his potential participation in the crucial fourth Test against England. Given his impressive performance in the series so far, many experts argue that his match-winning ability could tip the scales for India."
"As the team strives to maintain a balance between Bumrah's health and competitive needs, it remains to be seen whether he will be included in the final lineup for the fourth Test, elevating the sports drama sooner than anticipated."
