Follow UsJasprit Bumrah’s workload and participation have been a hot topic in Indian cricket at the moment, despite the England Test series coming to an end. With the Asia Cup starting, there is ample noise and debate about whether Bumrah should play against lower-ranked opposition like Oman and UAE, which are in India’s group in the Asia Cup.
According to former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja, there should be no question about playing Bumrah as its not needed.
“What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Ab UAE ke against bhi tumhe Bumrah chahiye? [Now you need Bumrah even against the UAE?]. Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in this type of match. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports Network, as quoted by the Indian Express.
Jadeja so vehemently opposed Bumrah playing that he said in jest that he might even go on strike if the ace pacer plays against UAE on September 10 (Wednesday).
“The match is against the UAE. No disrespect because I have seen their captain, [Muhammad] Wasim, and the talent he possesses. You cannot rank any team, but this is a T20 World Cup-winning Team India. Hence, I am clear. If Bumrah plays tomorrow, I am going on strike,” Jadeja added.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also chimed in and said that once selected, Bumrah should be made to play all the games and India should not be selective about it.
“You need to protect Bumrah, I understand. But what my opinion is, and I have said this during the England tour as well, is that if you have come to play a series, then you have to play it completely. You have not come into a series for recovery or management, you have come to play,” Pathan added.