Follow UsFormer Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar has voiced his displeasure over Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to selectively play matches in the ongoing five-Test series against England. The star pacer had informed the team management before the series that he would participate in only three Tests to manage his workload.
So far, Bumrah has played in the first and third Tests - both of which India lost. He was rested for the second Test, where India registered a thumping 336-run victory. With the crucial fourth Test set to begin in Manchester on July 23, speculation is rife that Bumrah might miss the fixture as part of his workload management plan.
“What is important is playing for India. If you're unfit, then don’t play at all. He had a gap of almost 7-8 days after the first Test, yet he wasn’t included for the second Test - which, to me, is unacceptable. Maybe it was acceptable for Agarkar and Gambhir," Vengsarkar told RevSportz in an interview.
“I’m not in favour of bowlers picking and choosing Test matches. If you’re fit and available, you should play all the matches for your country. Bumrah is a world-class bowler, and he can win matches for India. But once you’re on tour, you need to play every match. There’s no question of selecting matches based on personal preference.”
Since making his debut, Bumrah has featured in 47 Test matches, during which India have won 20 and lost 23. In contrast, he has missed 27 Tests in the same period - India have won 19 of those, lost only five, and drawn three. Notably, in the second Test at Birmingham, India’s pace attack flourished in his absence, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep sharing 17 wickets between them.