Is the management of the workload surface? Would Jasprit Bumrah had to miss two tests in England?

It was rather strange to see Jasprit Bumrah sit out of the two Tests in England, out of the five-match series. Without any doubt he is best India has, and if fit, he should have played four, if not all. But even before the series started, it was made clear, the pacer would be only part of three matches, to manage his workload.

Irfan Pathan on Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Management

Now, a month later, here he is, set to appear in the Asia Cup — T20 format, when the IND vs AUS ODI series, and IND vs WI Test series would start in quick succession. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan explained his take on workload management. In fact, he cited the example of AUS Test skipper Pat Cummins, to prove his point.

“A lot has been spoken about workload management already. I feel that your important players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.. you manage their workload, as you do. The setup has been fantastic by the BCCI and the NCA. But the only thing I have to say is, look at Pat Cummins. Just to play in the Ashes, he is going to skip a lot of matches for Australia. Now, the question that arises is, will he manage his workload during the series,” Irfan said in an interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network (SonyLIV), the official livestream destination for the Asia Cup.

Pathan Cites Pat Cummins’ Example

The 41-year-old went on to add that the if you try to manage the workload during the series, the desired results might just not come. “I feel these things are twisted and told. The boys play around the year, and anyways your main job is to play cricket. Once you enter an important series, especially in SENA countries, your best bowlers should be playing more. Jasprit Bumrah is our treasure, but when the series is on, if you try to manage workload, you won’t get the results.”