Sunil Gavaskar Praises Mohammed Siraj For Debunking Workload Myth In Tests

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar stated that the fast bowler Mohammed Siraj "debunked" the word workload myth in Test Cricket. Siraj played all five tests of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy without any rest, picking up 23 wickets, and is the player with the most wickets in the series, which helped India to make the series a draw by 2-2 against England.

There were many things going on about the workload management in the Indian camp for the fast bowlers in the series. While one or the other pacer got rest, Siraj was the one who played all five tests against England. He bowled 185.3 overs across nine innings and finished the series as the leading wicket taker, which included 2 five-wicket hauls. In the fifth and final test, he took nine wickets, helping secure a win against England by 6 runs.

In a latest interview, Sunil Gavaskar praised Mohammed Siraj for the incredible series and performance and his dedication towards the game. He said,

"There's always the saying that the bowlers win your matches but the fact of the matter is that you've also got to score the runs. So because India didn't score the runs, they lost those two matches. So yes, I think Siraj bowled his heart out and he debunked forever this business of workload. I hope that the word 'workload' goes out of the Indian Cricket dictionary. I've been saying that for a long time. For five Test matches nonstop, he bowled 6-over, 7 over, 8 over spells because the captain wanted it, and the country expected of him. And I think that is the one thing that we all should keep in mind that this workload is only a mental thing, not so much a physical thing."

Gavaskar also stated and cautioned head coach Gautam Gambhir and management to avoid such things, stating the example of Rishabh Pant who batted with a fractured toe in Manchester Test and how his half century helped India secure a draw in the test.

He said,

"If you are going to succumb to people who are talking about workload, then you are never going to have your best players on the field. You've got to get them to a situation where you say , 'Hello, you are playing for your country, and when you are playing for your country, you got to forget the aches and pains in your muscles. That is what you mean on the border. Do you think the jawans complain about the cold, or what is the situation? They are there to give their lives for the country. Give your very best for the country. Don't worry about accident pains. What did Rishabh Pant show you? He came out bat with a fracture. That is the kind of thing you want to expect from your team. That is the, that's something that you want to expect. Don't go by the little injuries. It is an honor given to you amongst 140 crores of people, so you are so lucky to be able to represent India. And you should not take that lightly. And this what we have seen with Siraj, five Test matches, bowling non stop."

Gavaskar also clarified that his remarks on workload was not for Jasprit Bumrah who was rested for two tests during tour. He stated that the reason of his absence was due to an ongoing injury concern he had.

He said,

"Not a problem in home series, but definitely in overseas series, where you're taking a team overseas, and the balance of the team can get affected. At home, you have ample time to call out to reserves, so it's not so much of an issue. But going overseas, you have to maybe look at that factor. But Bumrah was an injury issue, not a workload thing. He's had a serious injury. And so therefore I think that also has to be taken into consideration. When he played the two Test matches, he took two fifers. India might not have won, but he took those wickets. So you mustn't forget what a wonderful bowler he is."