Jasprit Bumrah played only three Tests in the England tour under workload management, in which he took 14 wickets. Ajinkya Rahane praised his courageous and transparent decision.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Indian cricket team's recent tour of England may have ended in a draw in terms of results, but many stories emerged from this series that will be discussed for a long time. One of the prominent stories is that of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who had made it clear to the team management before the series that he would only play three Test matches. Senior team batsman and former captain Ajinkya Rahane has now openly praised his courageous and clear decision.
Availability Determined Before the Series
Before the start of the England tour, Bumrah had presented his plan to the captain and team management. He had clearly stated that he would only play the first, third, and fourth Tests to manage his workload better. He took this decision keeping in mind his fitness and long career.
According to Rahane, this transparency and prior information proved to be very helpful in making team strategies. "It is important for a captain to know when his main bowler will be available. Bumrah showed complete honesty in this matter, which is what impresses me the most," Rahane said.
Taking Such Decisions is Not Easy
Rahane also emphasized that taking such decisions is very difficult in a cricket-crazy country like India. "Many times, players do not clearly state their situation for fear of being dropped from the team. But Bumrah took the right step in the interest of both the team and his body. This is a sign of courage and confidence," Rahane added.
There has been mixed thinking among players in India regarding workload management. Some players consider it necessary, while for some, it seems like a threat to their selection. Bumrah's move can certainly change this mindset.
Impact Seen in Bowling
Bumrah also showed the benefit of his limited but focused approach on the field. He played three matches in the series and took a total of 14 wickets, that too at an average of 26. By taking five wickets in an innings twice, he played a decisive role in the match for the team. Bowling 119.4 overs, he made the English batsmen uncomfortable many times. Whether it was swinging with the new ball or reverse swinging with the old ball, Bumrah demonstrated his ability every time.
Importance of Workload Management
In modern cricket, playing continuously is very physically challenging for fast bowlers. The pressure on the body after bowling 20-25 overs in a Test match is very high. The risk of injury also increases.
For this reason, teams around the world are now adopting workload management strategies for their key players. Bumrah's example will further strengthen this thinking in India. He wants to stay fit for upcoming major tournaments, such as the World Test Championship and the Australia series.
Rest Taken Before Oval Test
During the fourth Test played at The Oval, Bumrah was released from the team by the BCCI before the second day's play. This was part of a pre-determined plan. This step shows that Indian cricket is now paying special attention to the long-term availability and fitness of players, not just immediate results.
Inspiration for Young Players
Rahane believes that Bumrah's decision is an inspiring example for the upcoming generation of players. He said,
"Many times players ignore the limits of their bodies and keep playing continuously. This can have a negative impact on their careers. Bumrah showed that taking rest at the right time and honestly stating your availability is beneficial for both the team and the player."
The Journey Ahead
After the England series, the Indian team's focus will be on the upcoming home and away series. Bumrah is expected to be seen playing in all three formats with full fitness. His workload management may set a standard for other key players in the future as well.
