Top Commentator Calls Out Critics Trolling Jasprit Bumrah for His Non-Involvement in India’s Victories

Despite the criticism, Jasprit Bumrah remains India's second-highest wicket-taker in the WTC era, having claimed 170 wickets in just 38 matches.

Top Commentator Calls Out Critics Trolling Jasprit Bumrah for His Non-Involvement in India’s Victories

Harsha Bhogle slammed Jasprit Bumrah's critics, for questioning his non-involvment in India's wins against England. (via Outlook)

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Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle most recently slammed critics, for trolling the Men in Blues’ ace pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bhogle called out Bumrah’s critics for questioning his non-involvement in India’s recent Test victories against England.

Despite India having managed to draw the five-match Test series in England, questions have risen over Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to miss out the final fixture. India drew the series from a rather unwinnable position in the final Test at the Oval, claiming a hard-earned victory by just six runs. England was in a comfortable position chasing a target of 374, before India mounted an incredible comeback to seal the win.

However, Jasprit Bumrah was on the receiving end, criticized for his decision to opt out of the decisive must-win final Test. Bumrah was even released from the India squad as part of a strategy by the team management to manage his intense bowling workload and keep him fit for the upcoming busy cricketing season. The 31-year-old played in only three of the five Tests to prevent a recurrence of the stress-related injuries that have plagued him in the past.

Critics called Bumrah’s decision into question, suggesting that the Indian team wins matches when he does not play and that the team no longer needs to rely solely on his services. India did win both matches in which Bumrah was absent, at Edgbaston, and the Oval. Furthermore, in both these matches, his main bowling partner, Mohammed Siraj, stood out, claiming a five-wicket haul in each to finish as the series’ highest wicket-taker.

However, the trolling and criticism irked top commentator Harsha Bhogle, who took to social media to slam fans who questioned Bumrah’s abilities. He told critics to stop trolling Bumrah, arguing that the 31-year-old has had to overcome a lot of difficulties to make it to the top.

Bhogle also expressed his disappointment at the lack of appreciation for the pacer, whom he called ‘India’s Greatest Matchwinner.’ He wrote on X:

Really?? Trolling Bumrah? Hope you aren’t among those but If you are, fair to say you have no idea of what you have to endure to become a Bumrah. And you have no appreciation for one of India’s greatest matchwinners who, as it turns out, bowls more overs than almost any other…

Bumrah’s numbers may have dipped slightly since the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, since the three-month recovery he underwent from a back injury he suffered earlier this year. Despite that, Bumrah was India’s leading bowler on the Australia tour, picking up 32 wickets in nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, tormenting Australian batters even as India lost the series 3-1.

In fact, in England, the 31-year-old pacer did take 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls. Prior to this, he was also a crucial part of the Men in Blue’s historic 2024 ICC T20 World Cup triumph, finishing with 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 8.27.

Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Remain Out of India’s T20I Squad for the 2025 Asia Cup

The BCCI is all set to announce the squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, in the UAE, within the next few weeks, with several key names expected to miss out. Among them is star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who recently returned to India after the Test series against England.

Jasprit Bumrah Asia Cup
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss out on playing in the upcoming Asia Cup. (via NDTV Sports)

The selection committee is scheduled to meet in the third week of August to finalize the squad. Bumrah could be sidelined due to his history of fitness issues and recent rumors of a minor knee injury. The 31-year-old remains one of the best T20I bowlers, and the team will surely be hoping for his inclusion, especially after a stellar IPL campaign where he took 17 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.56.

Meanwhile, his bowling partner Mohammed Siraj, who had a grueling tour of England, could also be rested for the Asia Cup. In their potential absence, bowlers such as Harshit Rana, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar or Yash Dayal could be selected for the squad.