‘You Can't Pick And Choose Matches': Mohammed Azharuddin Criticises Bumrah's Limited Test Appearances
Bumrah's reduced participation comes after a serious back injury that kept him out for a long time following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team management and Bumrah had decided beforehand that he would feature in only three matches to avoid excessive strain.
Azharuddin: Players Cannot Pick and Choose Matches
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has voiced strong disapproval of this approach. Speaking to Mid-Day, Azharuddin said a player should be available for every match once selected.
'If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player have to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can't pick and choose your matches,' Azharuddin said. He stressed that representing the country requires full commitment, even if workload management is important.
Others Stepped Up in Bumrah's Absence
India's bowling unit handled Bumrah's absence remarkably well. Siraj played all 5 Tests, collecting 16 wickets in the two matches Bumrah missed. Akash Deep claimed a 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston, while Prasidh Krishna took 8 wickets at The Oval. Azharuddin noted that India was 'fortunate' that the rest of the attack delivered match-winning performances.
'There is workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country,' he added. 'What happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?'
Bumrah is set to return in the Asia Cup 2025 starting next month. India's next Test series will be against the West Indies at home. With workload concerns likely to continue, head coach Gautam Gambhir will face the challenge of keeping Bumrah fit while ensuring he plays in key matches.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
9 minutes ago
- First Post
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson explains Asia Cup squad on social media amid Babar Azam criticism: 'Excited to see some fresh faces'
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson took to social media to explain the Asia Cup squad selection after facing criticism for leaving out Babar Azam criticism. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has taken to social media platforms to explain the team selection amid the criticism for leaving out Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan start their Asia Cup campaign on 12 September in Dubai against Oman, before facing India and the UAE in the group stage. Neither Babar and Rizwan has played T20Is recently, while Salman Agha has been named as the captain. However, with such a big tournament in the offing, it was felt that one among Babar or Rizwan can make a comeback as they are top run-getters in T20Is for Pakistan. But that did not happen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hesson asks Babar to improve strike rate Defending the decision not to include Babar, Hesson at the press conference said that the right-handed batter needs to improve his strike rate, with the next BBL a possible tournament for him to show the improvements. 'There's no doubt Babar has been asked to improve in some areas, particularly against spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are aspects I know he's working very hard on at the moment,' Hesson said at a press conference. 'A player like Babar also has the opportunity to play in the BBL and showcase improvements in those areas of T20 cricket. He's simply too good a player for us not to consider,' Hesson added. Pak coach explains Asia Cup squad rationale Later, taking to X and Instagram, Hesson explained the rationale behind the Pakistan squad picked for the Asia Cup. The New Zealander said that they have picked a 'highly competitive squad' that includes experienced cricketers and fresh faces. 'We've put together what we believe is a highly competitive squad following the recent T20I series. Excited to see some fresh faces stepping up alongside our experienced senior players. A great blend of energy & experience for the Tri-Nation series & Asia Cup,' Hesson wrote on Instagram. Underlining the strategy to pick five pacers, Hesson said that Pakistan have a balanced squad for the tournament. 'Our squad features five front line seamers to adapt according to UAE conditions, along with two attacking mystery spinners. With depth in batting, much improved fielding side along with the bowlers mentioned above we overall have an excellent balanced squad.' Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2025: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India.com
9 minutes ago
- India.com
Rohit Sharma-Shikhar Dhawan To Dravid-Laxman: Indian Batting Duos With The Highest Percentage Of Runs In Wins
photoDetails english 2947595 Updated:Aug 18, 2025, 09:42 AM IST Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan - The Modern ODI Pillars 1 / 10 At the very top is the prolific opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who have scored a remarkable 78.9% of their runs in matches India won. Known for their explosive yet calculated starts in ODIs, the duo has laid the foundation for many memorable triumphs, including India's run in the 2013 Champions Trophy and subsequent bilateral series. Rohit and Kohli - Consistency Across Eras 2 / 10 Next on the list is the partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with 69% of their runs coming in winning causes. Together, they have been match-winners for India in limited-overs cricket, often taking apart opposition attacks with their aggressive yet controlled batting. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane - Underrated Stability 3 / 10 The duo of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane follows at 64.6%, showing their importance particularly in overseas Test wins. Their resilience in challenging conditions has often turned matches in India's favour. Sachin Tendulkar & Virender Sehwag - 62.9% 4 / 10 When Sachin and Sehwag opened, fireworks were guaranteed. Their strike rate and dominance at the top produced 62.9% of runs in victories, making them one of India's most feared combinations. From brutal assaults on Pakistan to dominating World Cup campaigns, this duo redefined attacking opening stands. Gautam Gambhir & Virender Sehwag - 62.6% 5 / 10 Gambhir and Sehwag were architects of India's golden run in all formats. With 62.6% of runs in wins, they provided stability and aggression in equal measure. Whether it was their solid partnerships in Tests or fearless ODI stands, this duo consistently gave India flying starts. Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly - 54.8% 6 / 10 The legendary opening pair of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sachin and Ganguly, were once the world's most successful opening duo. With 54.8% of runs in wins, they changed the face of Indian cricket. Their understanding and dominance in ODIs set records that stood the test of time. Sachin Tendulkar & Rahul Dravid - 49.2% 7 / 10 Tendulkar and Dravid were the definition of solidity. With 49.2% of their runs in wins, their partnerships became the backbone of India's batting, especially in overseas Tests. They stitched together some of India's most famous innings, including the unforgettable Kolkata 2001 Test against Australia. Rahul Dravid & VVS Laxman - 46.7% 8 / 10 Few partnerships evoke as much nostalgia as Dravid and Laxman. With 46.7% runs in victories, this duo pulled India out of countless crises. Their most iconic stand came in the 2001 Kolkata Test, where their epic 376-run partnership scripted one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history. Sachin Tendulkar & Mohammad Azharuddin - 43.8% 9 / 10 During the 1990s, Tendulkar and Azharuddin were India's batting pillars. With 43.8% of runs in wins, they delivered crucial partnerships at a time when India was transitioning. Their mix of flair and composure gave Indian fans many memorable moments. Rahul Dravid & Sourav Ganguly - 40.7% 10 / 10 Rounding off the list are Dravid and Ganguly, who contributed 40.7% of their runs in wins. Their partnerships were crucial in both ODIs and Tests, particularly in overseas conditions. The balance of Ganguly's aggression with Dravid's calm presence made them one of India's most dependable duos.
Mint
39 minutes ago
- Mint
From Delhi to Melbourne, Virat Kohlis 17 years of dominance in international cricket
New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): On this day, way back in 2008, Virat Kohli, a young, fiery Delhi youth with a classy cover drive that could drive the cricket purists into absolute awe and the ability to dominate the toughest opponents and game situations, made his international debut against Sri Lanka in an ODI. Between lifting the U-19 World Cup for India as a captain in Malaysia to bullying top-class bowling attacks of Australia, Pakistan, England, and South Africa into submission even years after his rise in the 2020s, Virat has transformed into one of the greatest batters of all time. Not the most gifted batter in a star-studded Indian dressing room, it was his hard work, dedication, hunger to pile up big, and a lion's heart that drove him to the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) status. -An ambassador for Test cricket Right from his Test debut till his very last image edging an outside off stump delivery bowled by Scott Boland to slips in his beloved Aussie land, Virat, while being inhumanely consistent across all formats simultaneously, lived, breathed, and ate Test cricket. Over the course of his 123 Test career, he proved himself as one of the biggest promoters of the long format, who could fill up the stadium with his mere presence. In 123 Tests, Virat scored 9,230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His best score of 254*. He ended up as India's fourth-highest run-getter in white clothing, but his impact goes way beyond the numbers. Virat was also India's most successful Test captain, with 40 wins and 17 losses in 68 Tests. He transformed a young, under-transition Indian team into a fearless unit and gave their fast bowlers the encouragement, backing, and environment they needed. From accepting losses meekly, he transformed Team India into a unit that would give opponents death stares even while losing, suggesting that they could win a battle, but they would not win the war easily. Be at home or away, Team India looked competitive. With a new fitness culture inculcated by a protein-shake-sipping, gym-freak Test skipper who gave up his beloved Chole Bathure and Butter Chicken for a legendary career in whites, the players got a new lease of life, agility, and sharpness on the field. He led India to seven wins in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) conditions, the most by any Indian captain. After Tendulkar, the baton was passed on to Virat, who delivered some all-time SENA classics with the bat, ending as India's second-most successful batter in these conditions with 3,909 runs in 46 Tests and 89 innings at an average of 49.48, 10 centuries and 17 fifties. -An ODI maestro with a calculator With 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, including 51 centuries and 74 fifties in just 290 innings, Virat proudly wears the title belt of undisputed ODI cricket champion. He is the third-highest run-getter in the format and India's second-best after Tendulkar (18,426 runs in 463 matches with 49 centuries). His otherworldly consistency and records in the formats have earned him this aforementioned title. He is the only ODI cricketer with 50 centuries and holds the record for the highest runs in a single Cricket World Cup edition, with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries and six fifties way back in 2023, winning the 'Player of the Tournament' honours in the tournament. From his valuable 35 during the 2011 WC win while chasing 275 against Sri Lanka, which came while assisting Gautam Gambhir to his record-breaking century at Wankhede against New Zealand 12 years later in front of his idol, Virat has made some valuable contributions to India's quest for ICC titles. The 'Chasemaster' has a calculator in his head, which reduces even the most gigantic targets to an absolute cakewalk. In successful run chases in ODIs, he has an enviable record of 5,998 runs in 107 matches and 101 innings at an average of 88.20, with 24 centuries and 26 fifties and a best score of 183, boasting a stat sheet that could be a whole career profile for many. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the semifinals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. He led India to 65 wins in 95 ODIs, 27 losses, a tie, and two no results. -An absolute match-winner in T20Is In T20Is, Virat is the third-highest run-getter and India's second-best after Rohit Sharma (4,231 runs), with 4,188 in 125 matches and 117 innings at an average of 48.69. He has scored a century and 38 fifties, with a best score of 122*. While there are several T20 masters who could outdo him on parameters like runs, strike rate, sixes and World Cups, no one comes close to his impact-making ability. He is the top run-getter in the ICC T20 World Cup tournament, with 1,292 runs in 35 matches and 33 innings at an average of 58.72, with 15 half-centuries. In successful T20I run-chases, he has scored 1,651 runs in 42 matches and 39 innings at an average of 78.61, with a strike rate of 135.43 and 16 fifties. Shrinking his numbers down to the T20 World Cup makes for an even more stunning sight, having made 519 runs in 12 matches and 11 innings at an average of 173.00, with a strike rate of 137.66 and seven fifties, with a best score of 82*. He is a two-time 'Player of the Tournament' winner in T20 WCs (2014 and 2016) and earned a fairytale farewell from the format with a 'Player of the Match' award for a match-winning 76 in the final against South Africa. In this tournament's knockouts, he has scored a half-century in five out of six innings. If WWE has 'Big Match John', John Cena sending fans happy with their moneys worth with a fine in-ring performance, cricket has 'Big Match Virat', making sure fans sleep with peace and smile on their faces, taking all the headache of chasing big runs himself. -A trophy collector with a historic knockout record Virat has won joint-most trophies by a cricketer, next to Ricky Ponting, with a Cricket World Cup, two ICC Champions Trophies (2013 and 2025), a T20 World Cup (2024) and an ICC U19 title (2008) to his name. One could also count the three ICC World Test Championship maces he won to keep India at the top of the Test Rankings as a captain, when it was not a proper competition. He is the top run-getter across all ICC white-ball tournaments combined, with 3,834 runs in 90 matches and 87 innings at an average of 61.83, with six centuries and 33 fifties and a best score of 117. Across the knockout stages of these tournaments, he has scored 904 runs in 20 matches and innings at an average of 56.50, with a century and nine innings. Including the two WTC finals he played, he becomes the only cricketer with 1,000-plus runs in ICC tournament knockout games, with a century and nine fifties in 24 innings at an average of 51.20. Across all formats, Virat has scored 27,599 runs in 550 matches and 617 innings at an average of 52.27, with 82 centuries and 143 fifties and a best score of 254*. He is the third-highest run-getter in all of international cricket. He has also won 10 ICC Awards as an individual, the most by any player, including the coveted ICC Player of the Decade award (2011-20) and Cricketer of the Year award twice (2017 and 2018). (ANI)
