After India’s close defeat at Lord’s, former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has attacked the management for Jasprit Bumrah‘s workload during the current Test series against England. Despite a week off following the series opener at Headingley, the pace spearhead will only play in three of the five Test matches after being sidelined for the second Test at Edgbaston.
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, had warned prior to the visit that Bumrah’s availability would be restricted because of injury worries. After participating in all five games in Australia, the right-arm pacer suffered an injury near the end of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“Playing for India is what matters; if you are not fit, don’t play at all. Despite missing about seven or eight days following the first Test match, he was still left out of the second Test, which was unacceptable. Perhaps Agarkar and Gambhir found it acceptable,” Vengsarkar stated in a RevSportz interview.
As a top-tier bowler, Bumrah can help India win games.
“I disagree that bowlers should pick and choose Test matches. You should participate in every game for your nation if you are healthy and available. But you have to play every game once you’re on tour. Choosing matches based on personal taste is out of the question,” he continued.
Following India’s 22-run defeat against England at Lord’s, Vengsarkar acknowledged that Ravindra Jadeja will be devastated. India fell to 82 for 7 after chasing a score of 193 on Day 5. India remained in the match until the very end thanks to Jadeja and the lower-order batsmen.
“Bumrah did his best, but someone had to take a chance. Our hopes were maintained by Jadeja, but it was not to be. Siraj made an effort, but you can’t count on your number eleven to stay around for too long. Vengsarkar remarked, “Jadeja might have been completely destroyed.”
As of right moment, England leads the five-match series 2-1. Old Trafford in Manchester will host the fourth Test starting on Wednesday, July 23.
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