Jasprit Bumrah’s limited participation in the recently concluded Test series in England raised eyebrows over the timing of the announcement.
Before the series began, it was made clear that Bumrah would play only three out of the five Tests, but former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes this move was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
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With India drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, questions are now being asked not just about Bumrah's role but also about how his workload is managed publicly.
Deep Dasgupta believes India should have kept Bumrah's availability a match-by-match decision
Dasgupta, in a recent chat with IANS, said that while it's fine to manage a fast bowler’s workload, there was no need to lock in and announce the three-match plan before the tour.
According to him, the team could have simply monitored Bumrah’s fitness during the series and made decisions accordingly.
“Well, I think India shouldn't have announced the fact that he would be playing only three Test matches prior to departing for the series. I mean, you can always take a call on his availability as and when based on his physical situation and series scenario," said Dasgupta.
"But this thing of saying that he will be playing only three Test matches before the series has started, I think India could have avoided it,” Dasgupta said in an exclusive conversation with IANS.
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When and where did Bumrah play in the series?
Bumrah featured in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tests- at Headingley (Leeds), Lord’s (London), and Old Trafford (Manchester). He missed the second and the fifth Test at The Oval, where India secured a narrow six-run win.
Despite playing only three matches, Bumrah ended the series with 14 wickets in nearly 120 overs, including two five-wicket hauls. Still, his absence in the final Test drew attention, especially since no injury was officially cited.
In Bumrah’s place, Prasidh Krishna played the final Test and delivered a breakthrough performance, picking up eight wickets (4 in each innings).
After a tough start in Leeds and Edgbaston, where his bowling was criticised, Prasidh found rhythm in the last match.
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Dasgupta praised his release and seam position, calling him “a quality bowler who needs consistent game time.” He hopes the pacer can stay fit and continue the momentum back home.