Irfan Pathan Defends Jasprit Bumrah Against ‘Pick and Choose’ Criticism

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan gave the reason for his recent comments made on Jasprit Bumrah criticizing him for picking and choosing matches in the name of workload. He stated his intention was never to question Bumrah's attitude but even added that once a player is added to the playing XI of the team, then taking a step back from the game is something he doesn't support.

In the five-match test series against England, Bumrah missed two of the crucial tests for which he was trolled a lot. The star pacer started the series on a high note, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings at Headingley. But remained wicketless in the second, where India failed to defend the score of 371 runs. At Lord's, he once again impressed everyone with a five- wicket haul in the first innings.

Irfan also praised Bumrah for his decision to prioritise Test cricket despite such injury setbacks.

He said,

"Lot of people think I question his attitude. Not at all. Why would I question someone who gives Test cricket priority, specially after the back injury where a lot of other guys have not done that. I will never do that. No one is so stupid right. I am saying once you are there on the field, you just go all-out. I can guarantee you that if the management keeps happening like this (bowling five-six-overs), we will not get the desired result for a longer period of time."

Further, the former all-rounder stated that managing workload is one thing, but not using his full energy when one is in the Playing XI then it's not good for the team.

He said,

"We will manage his workload but even at an important time like the Lord's test, if we look to manage workload, how will the result come? You can push it at the time when it is needed. The recovery and management can happen after the game. If you are playing just three games and in that also you bowl just few overs in a spell, it gets difficult for the team."

Now, the star pacer Bumrah is all set to play in the Asia Cup 2025 starting from September 9.