You Can’t Just Bowl 3 Overs: Irfan Pathan Slams Jasprit Bumrah Over Workload Debate
In the recently concluded five-match test series against England, Team India performed brilliantly without the senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The new Indian test skipper Shubman Gill scored 754 runs in the series, becoming the highest run getter in the series, while on the other hand, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja scored more than 500 runs. Mohammed Siraj finished as the highest wicket taker in the series with 23 wickets.
But more than the series, the thing that became the talking gossip was Jasprit Bumrah and his workload management. In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, he featured in only three tests, claiming 12 wickets, which include two five-wicket hauls. While his injury demands rest, certain cricket experts raised questions on his workload even without taking his name.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was amongst them. In a recent interview, he talked about the recovery protocols and workload challenges that fast bowlers usually face. He believes that once a player steps on the field, the focus must be on giving the best.
He said,
"I believe that technology and recovery should go hand in hand. You should also listen to your body. But once you step onto the field, workload shouldn't be a consideration anymore. Then it's just a battle. One team against another. You have to win. It's a battle, and your only focus should be on winning by any means."
Further, he said,
"Recovery and field technology are fine. But once you step in, you're wearing the Indian jersey. After that, don't look back. You can't say, 'I'll just bowl four overs' or 'I'll bowl three overs.' People don't just say this; they do it. That's how it works these days."
The former skipper also stated that his comments were not only for a single player but took Mohammed Siraj as an example. He played all five matches against England in the series, and at the Oval Test, he played a crucial role in winning the test by 6 runs.
He said,
"I'm talking about everyone, not just one player. Everyone, including Siraj, on the last day of the last test, was bowling at 145 km/h. He has a workload too, right? This applies to everyone. But once you step in, you give it your all."