India shield Jasprit Bumrah, but is Mohammed Siraj carrying the real burden?

India Today

3 days ago

India have made conscious efforts to manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload, strategically resting him to preserve his fitness and extend his career. After bowling over 150 overs in the Australia series earlier this year, Bumrah was rested for the second and fourth Tests at Edgbaston and The Oval—crucial matches that underlined just how carefully the team is handling its premier fast bowler, especially given his history of back problems.advertisementIn contrast, Mohammed Siraj has shouldered a heavy workload with unwavering commitment. He has consistently led the attack across formats and conditions, often without respite. In the Edgbaston Test—where Bumrah was absent—Siraj delivered a fiery spell, picking up 6 for 70 and spearheading India's dominant 336-run victory over England.While Siraj's wholehearted efforts have been invaluable, they raise a pressing question: is he being overburdened? Like Bumrah, Siraj's body and rhythm also need protection. Without timely rotation, India risk burning out one of their most reliable pacers. In their bid to preserve Bumrah, the management must ensure Siraj isn't left to carry the load alone.Overs, effort, and endurance
Siraj has been India's tireless workhorse in red-ball cricket this year, carrying much of the fast-bowling load with full commitment. In just six matches, he has bowled 167 overs—more than any other Indian bowler—showing how much he's put in. His 18 wickets may not seem huge, but they've come through intense, skillful spells, often on pitches that didn't offer much help.While stars like Bumrah have been rotated and rested to manage their workload, Siraj has kept running in hard, bowling long spells and giving his all. His passion and willingness to take responsibility have made him the backbone of India's pace attack. But if this effort isn't managed wisely, it could lead to burnout.Most overs by Indians in Tests in 2025Mohammed Siraj - 6 matches, 167.0 overs, 18 wickets, average 37.55Ravindra Jadeja - 6 matches, 139.1 overs, 7 wickets, average 69.42Jasprit Bumrah - 4 matches, 129.4 overs, 16 wickets, average 24.81Prasidh Krishna - 4 matches, 89.0 overs, 12 wickets, average 36.50Akash Deep - 3 matches, 72.1 overs, 11 wickets, average 28.09Washington Sundar - 5 matches, 71.1 overs, 7 wickets, average 37.42Nitish Kumar Reddy - 3 matches, 37.0 overs, 5 wickets, average 30.60Shardul Thakur - matches, 27.0 overs, 2 wickets, average 72.00Anshul Kamboj - 1 match, 18.0 overs, 1 wicket, average 89.00No rest, no fussIn the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Mohammed Siraj has bowled more overs than any other Indian—139 in total—showing just how big a workload he's taken on. He has picked up 14 wickets, the same as Bumrah, although at a higher average of 39.71.advertisementStill, Siraj's effort and energy have stood out, especially as he's kept going through long spells. His work has allowed the team to rotate other bowlers and manage workloads better. While others have had more eye-catching numbers, Siraj has quietly done the hard yards to keep India's pace attack ticking through the series.Most overs by Indians in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025Mohammed Siraj – 139 overs, 14 wickets, average 39.71Ravindra Jadeja – 136.1 overs, 7 wickets, average 67.71Jasprit Bumrah – 119.4 overs, 14 wickets, average 26.00Akash Deep – 72.1 overs, 11 wickets, average 28.09Washington Sundar – 70.1 overs, 7 wickets, average 35.85Prasidh Krishna – 62 overs, 6 wickets, average 55.16Nitish Kumar Reddy – 28 overs, 3 wickets, average 37.00Shardul Thakur – 27 overs, 2 wickets, average 72.00Tireless Siraj keeps movingSiraj's role in India's red-ball setup goes well beyond the current series—he's been a tireless workhorse over the last two years and throughout the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. No Indian fast bowler has delivered more overs than Siraj in this period: 527.1 across 22 Tests, resulting in 62 wickets at an average of 31.79.While Bumrah has been carefully managed, Siraj has consistently shouldered the pace burden, often stepping in during injury setbacks or rotation phases. His relentless effort has been vital in sustaining India's attack across conditions, especially when experience or support around him has been limited.advertisementMost overs by Indians in the World Test Championship 2023-25Ravindra Jadeja – 20 matches, 554.2 overs, 62 wickets, average 28.43Mohammed Siraj – 22 matches, 527.1 overs, 62 wickets, average 31.79Jasprit Bumrah – 18 matches, 513.2 overs, 91 wickets, average 16.76R Ashwin – 14 matches, 445.3 overs, 63 wickets, average 24.55Akash Deep – 10 matches, 219 overs, 26 wickets, average 32.19Washington Sundar – 9 matches, 178 overs, 26 wickets, average 22.80Kuldeep Yadav – 5 matches, 135.4 overs, 22 wickets, average 23.09Prasidh Krishna – 6 matches, 117 overs, 14 wickets, average 40.57Bumrah is important, so is SirajAs the fifth Test at The Oval unfolds, Siraj is once again at the forefront of India's pace attack, carrying the baton in Bumrah's absence. With the team choosing to rest Bumrah, Siraj has stepped up without hesitation—just as he has throughout the series and across formats.His ability to bowl long, high-effort spells has been crucial in holding the attack together. But even as he toils away selflessly, the growing demands on his body can't be ignored. If India are mindful about extending Bumrah's career, they must show the same care for Siraj—before the wear and tear begins to show.- EndsTune InMust Watch