India’s tour of England ended with mixed emotions but much of the conversation turned towards Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the final Test at The Oval.
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tied 2-2, some fans and ex-cricketers accused Bumrah of ‘picking and choosing’ matches.
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Former bowling coach Bharat Arun, who worked closely with Bumrah for years, was quick to counter the criticism. Let's take a look what he had to say.
What did Bharat Arun say about Bumrah’s fitness?
Speaking about the backlash, Arun expressed disappointment at the tone of public opinion. He says the reality is far different from what people think.
“It’s so sad to hear about this stuff against Bumrah. He has had a serious surgery, and people should understand it is not as if the surgery is done and he is all good forever. No this is far more serious stuff on his back now,” Arun said.
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Bharat Arun about the workload plan for Bumrah?
Bumrah had played the first three Tests of the five-match series and he picked two five-wicket hauls. Arun stressed that the decision to limit him to three Tests was not last-minute.
He reminded critics that this workload plan was decided along with the BCCI medical team and coaching staff.
According to Arun, this was about protecting India’s best fast bowler from a repeat of his past injuries, not about avoiding important matches.
“It’s not picking and choosing. Just a few months back he was hailed as the world’s greatest fast bowler in Australia and now, he is being criticised unfairly," said Arun.
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"Did he underperform in the three Tests? Two fifers he took. Why do you think it was announced way before the series itself that he will play 3 Tests; precisely to stop this kind of nonsense," he added.
"Not for the world to fall to temptation and say play him as this Test is crucial. His body is like that now. We have to be careful and understand how hard this entire effort is and such a great feat for him to do what he is doing – playing for India through all this,” he added further.
Arun’s comments serve as a reminder that for players with a history of back injuries, every match requires careful planning.
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