As India trails 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah skipping the fourth Test in Manchester has ignited widespread debate. With the series at a critical stage, the issue of workload management has once again come into sharp focus.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly voiced his opinions on the matter, fueling further discussion among cricket fans and experts.
Gambhir’s Plan for Bumrah: Is It Justified?
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir had made it clear even before the tour began—Bumrah would only participate in three out of the five Tests. Having already featured in the first two matches, Bumrah is likely to play only one more in the remaining two.
But should India’s spearhead bowler sit out when the team is fighting to stay alive in the series?
“See, workload management is a new thing. Once IPL came, people said that I will bowl 24 balls in a match and they will be absolutely spot on, and that is how people trained. If you go back in the past? What was workload? Workload was fitness. Players played 5-match series in the past as well. But yes, if someone is concerned about the injury, then you need to be careful,” Harbhajan Singh said.
Bumrah’s Honesty and Injury Risk
Harbhajan praised Bumrah’s character, calling him one of the most sincere cricketers in the squad. He acknowledged the fast bowler’s commitment to the game but also highlighted how Bumrah’s unique action increases the risk of injury.
“But see, Jasprit is the most honest cricketer out there. If he is not in pain, he will not only bowl a 4-over spell, he will bowl a 10-over spell for you. He did that in Australia as well. He bowled so much there that he got injured. His action contributes to that well. His run-up is short, and you have to bowl at high speed, so the finishing of his action puts a lot of stress on the body. If his body is well, make him play 5 Tests. If he plays 5 Tests, India will win the series. Ask any opposition, they will say that they do not prefer facing Bumrah,” he added.
Kuldeep Yadav Over Nitish Reddy? Harbhajan Thinks So
Harbhajan also suggested a bold change in the team’s composition. He believes Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin could trouble England’s aggressive batters, especially on flat surfaces. “Kuldeep should be playing. The brand of cricket England like to play, they will not be able to do that against Kuldeep Yadav. He could be your mystery bowler against them. You have to reduce one batter from the team. If it was left to me, I would drop Nitish Reddy and bring in Kuldeep,” Harbhajan said.
With England’s Bazball approach putting pressure on India’s bowlers, Kuldeep’s variations might offer the control and surprise element India needs.
Sai Sudharsan Deserved More Chances
The off-spinner didn’t hold back in criticizing the management’s handling of young batter Sai Sudharsan. Harbhajan believes the southpaw should have been backed for a longer run after being selected ahead of Karun Nair.
“I would have stuck with Sai Sudharsan. I would not have thrown him out after just one game. You gave him a chance at No.3 ahead of Karun Nair, and you should have stuck with him for at least three matches. He is a phenomenal talent and should get the backing of the team management. You played him over Karun, then you dropped him. Now there is an air that you want to drop Karun also from the next game, this simply ruins the flow, doesn’t it?” he concluded.
India’s Road Ahead in the England Series
With two crucial matches remaining, India faces several tough calls. Should Bumrah play despite concerns? Can Kuldeep Yadav make an impact if picked? And will the management give consistent opportunities to young players like Sai Sudharsan?
One thing is certain—India needs to go all in if they want to script a series comeback. As Harbhajan’s remarks echo among fans, all eyes are now on the team’s selection and strategy in Manchester.
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