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Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his disappointment over Jasprit Bumrah’s exclusion from India’s playing XI for the ongoing second Test against England in Birmingham. Coming after a five-wicket defeat in the first Test in Leeds; India made a few changes in their playing XI. Skipper Shubman Gill said at the toss that Bumrah has been rested to manage his workload as the team will need him in the third Test which will be played at Lords.
In place of Bumrah, Akash Deep has been included in the playing. Apart from that, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have been included in the lineup with Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur not finding a place. However, Irfan Pathan raise questions over Bumrah and said that one cannot decided by himself whether to play or not citing workload management.
“If you are selected for the Indian team, then because of the workload, you cannot pick and choose. There is a reason for that. If you pick and choose, I know there is no bowler like Bumrah. Bumrah is a number one world-class bowler, but there is no injury here. There is workload management here. Because of workload management, if you pick and choose, then what happens?” Pathan said on Sony Sports.
You expect that Akash Deep will do wonders: Irfan Pathan
Speaking further, Irfan Pathan also suggested that India cannot expect Akash Deep to do wonders after picking him in place of Bumrah in the second Test. The former cricketer believes that continuity is important for a player to prolong his career and Bumrah not playing all five Tests in England will be a loss for India.
There is workload management here. Because of workload management, if you pick and choose, then what happens? Akash Deep comes in. You expect that Akash Deep will do wonders. Maybe he will. But any bowler takes time. Continuity is very important. That continuity will not come,” Irfan Pathan said.
“So overall, in a larger picture, I believe we have to start thinking as Indian cricket. Start thinking of playing without Bumrah and Shami. According to that, you should plan in Test cricket. See, Jasprit Bumrah—there are 5 Test matches overseas. If my main fast bowler is not playing 5 Test matches, then I am at a loss. So I don’t have Bumrah’s services in all matches. And the other young boy who is playing will only get a chance when Bumrah is not playing. Then he will not get stability," he further added.
