Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability for the final Test of the England series has fueled criticism of India’s workload management system. Though there was planning earlier that restricted Bumrah to playing three matches in a long away series, his non-availability has raised many questions about the system.
As per a report in the Times of India, the BCCI might reassess this “pick-and-choose” approach post-England tour. The board is struggling to plan a long Test series without knowing when Bumrah will play. With fitness concerns always looming, India’s premier fast bowler remains a puzzle that selectors are finding hard to solve.
Policy in Place, But Execution Falters
Team India had already sent the message before the UK tour commenced that Bumrah would not feature beyond three Tests against England. The concept was simple, avoid over-exhaustion, particularly after the pacer had returned from a long back injury layoff.
As per that plan, Bumrah played the first Test at Leeds but sat out the Birmingham match, which India won. He came back for the big-ticket Lord’s Test and played at Edgbaston. But a niggle kept him away from the Oval season-ender.
Despite appearing in just three matches, he contributed heavily. Bumrah took 14 wickets—only Ben Stokes, who too sat out the final Test, claimed more.
Jasprit Bumrah Action: A Risk Built-In
Bumrah’s unconventional bowling action continues to stress his back. He had been out of action for some months with a persistent stress fracture. This has made the BCCI medical team very careful.
The care is understandable, but it has upset India’s rhythm in the longer version of the game. Without knowing if their leading fast bowler will feature in a specific match, team combinations are hit.
BCCI Weighs Selection Reform
According to TOI, the BCCI is open to a change. The selectors might only select Bumrah if he is fully available for the series. The strength and conditioning coaches will still monitor player workloads, but the ultimate decisions might now lie with the medical staff.
“Bumrah’s availability should be based on fitness,” said a BCCI source. “That should be assessed by medical professionals, and not merely workload indicators.”
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Does the Policy Damage Team Balance?
The greater worry is team balance. When your strike bowler is in and out of the XI, the rest of the bowling unit cannot settle down. Seamers are shuffled around, workloads get heavier, and plans get revised.
Bumrah’s presence raises India. But his absence leaves tactical gaps that influence match results, as witnessed in Birmingham, where India triumphed without him, but then faltered on his return through inconsistency of support.
Breather For Now
India has no other long series in sight for a minimum of one year. Two-Test home series against South Africa and the West Indies are on the horizon. That provides room for the board to rethink Bumrah’s function.
Since there are no long tours in sight, the BCCI has an opportunity to review and even rethink its policy for high performers, particularly one as crucial and delicate as Bumrah.
