Chetan Sharma Comes in Defense of Jasprit Bumrah Amid Workload Management Criticism

Mohammed Siraj led all wicket-takers in the Test series against England with 23 scalps, while Jasprit Bumrah finished behind him with 14 wickets.

Chetan Sharma Comes in Defense of Jasprit Bumrah Amid Workload Management Criticism

Ex-India all-rounder Chetan Sharma defended Jasprit Bumrah's intense workload management. (Image via Business Today)

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Ex-India pacer and former national team selector Chetan Sharma came out in defense of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been criticized by many former players over his workload management. Sharma suggested that Bumrah should only listen to his physio regarding his form and fitness.

Jasprit Bumrah has been in the headlines following the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bumrah was a part of the squad for all five Test matches, marking his return to the Indian team after a back injury he sustained while playing in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy forced him to miss the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, despite being fit, the 31-year-old only played in three of the five Tests against England.

The team management cited workload management as a reason, aiming to keep the speedster fit for the busy cricketing season ahead. What drew criticism, however, was his absence from the two matches India won during the England tour, which sparked a debate about his role within the team.

His absence, in fact, was interpreted by some as ‘picking and choosing’, as he decided against playing in the series decider fifth Test at the Oval, in London.

While Bumrah did finish the England tour as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, with 14 scalps at a brilliant average of 26.00, both of his five-wicket hauls came in a losing effort, at Headingley and the Lord’s. To make matters worse, Bumrah’s absence also put an added burden on Mohammed Siraj, who had to play all five matches of the series and was forced to bowl over 185 overs.

This prompted former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar to question the strategy behind Bumrah’s workload management. Gavaskar even suggested that selectors should be the ones to decide when the ace Indian pacer should play. He went on to say that Bumrah should have played when he was fit for the sake of the team. However, Jasprit Bumrah has found an ally in another former player, who has come to his defense.

Ex-Indian pacer Chetan Sharma, who understands the physical demands of being a fast bowler in the longest format, backed Bumrah. He emphasized that bowlers should always follow the advice of their physios, as they are the best judges of workload management. Sharma added that Bumrah should follow what has been prescribed by the medical staff, and if he is asked to take antibiotics, he should do so without complaint.

If the medical team advises that I have to take antibiotics, then I have to consume them. If our physios is telling a player to manage workload, I think we should listen to them because they are the better judges.

Chetan Sharma quoted as per NDTV Sports

Furthermore, Chetan Sharma also spoke about India’s chances at the 2025 Asia Cup. He confidently asserted that the Men in Blue would win the Asia Cup, which would be a stepping stone for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Will Jasprit Bumrah Play for the Indian T20I Side at the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE?

A major question hangs over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, which starts on September 9 in the UAE. While he has confirmed his readiness to play and has informed the selectors, doubts about his participation still remain.

Jasprit Bumrah Asia Cup
There is a doubt over Jasprit Bumrah featuring in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. (via NDTV Sports)

Bumrah, who was released from the Indian squad in England ahead of the fifth Test to maintain his fitness, is among the potential bowlers who could be picked to ensure a victorious Asia Cup campaign. While the 31-year-old has not played a T20I since India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, he remains one of the best short-format bowlers and is also India’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in the format.

The BCCI selection committee, headed by ex-India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar, is expected to meet tomorrow to finalize the 15-member squad. If Jasprit Bumrah is, he would not have to worry about workload management in T20Is since he would only have to bowl shorter spells.

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