'Saying he'll only play three Tests was unnecessary' – Former India wicketkeeper on India's handling of Jasprit Bumrah
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has criticized the Indian cricket team's decision to announce
Jasprit Bumrah
's limited availability of three Tests before the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Dasgupta believes this pre-series announcement was unnecessary and the team could have made decisions based on physical conditions and series scenarios.
Bumrah
participated in three Tests during the series - the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Lord's and Old Trafford, Manchester. He secured 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, bowling 119.4 overs at an average of 26.
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The fast bowler was not included in the playing eleven for the fifth Test at The Oval and was released from the squad before day two's play.
"Well, I think India shouldn't have announced the fact that he would be playing only three Test matches prior to departing for the series. I mean, you can always take a call on his availability as and when based on his physical situation and series scenario. But this thing of saying that he will be playing only three Test matches before the series has started, I think India could have avoided it," Dasgupta told IANS.
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Dasgupta questioned India's approach to managing Bumrah's workload, which involves giving him adequate rest and playing him in crucial matches.
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"It depends on obviously him and the medical staff. But how I see it is, he's the best bowler in the world across three formats. So, you want him for all the crucial games. But then once he's available for the crucial ones, then I guess it can't be at the start of a tournament, that I'm going to play only 40% or 60% of the games - that can't happen."
Poll
Do you agree with Deep Dasgupta's criticism of India's announcement regarding Bumrah's limited availability?
Yes, it was unnecessary.
No, it was a strategic decision.
"I mean, keep him ready for the crucial ones, and make sure he's available for all games.
Then obviously, if there are injuries, if the body has taken a toll and he's not ready, that's a different issue altogether. But this availability for 50%, 60%, and all, I think that needs to be looked into because he is by far the best bowler in the world right now," he added.
In Bumrah's absence at The Oval,
Prasidh Krishna
stepped up with impressive performance, taking four wickets in each innings for a match total of 8-188.
Despite facing criticism on social media for underwhelming performances in the first two Tests at Headingley and Edgbaston, Krishna finished the series strongly with his performance at The Oval.
"With Prasidh, he's a quality bowler. I mean, his release is the best in this Indian team in terms of his backspin and seam position, and skill-wise, he's right up there. Only thing is, obviously, over the years, even though he made his first-class debut a long time ago, because of injuries and all, he hasn't really played a lot of cricket and never got into a rhythm."
"He would play a Test match or two, and then get injured. But then, also in the first few Test matches, I don't think he was used well. By the time the last Test came, he got some rhythm and bowled the way he generally bowls. So a lot of credit to him, and I hope this gives him a lot of confidence and he plays a lot because, again, he's found his rhythm. I hope he goes back to India and keeps bowling in future matches," Dasgupta concluded.
The decision to manage Bumrah's workload came after he suffered a back injury in the Sydney Test against Australia in January this year, as explained by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach
Gautam Gambhir
before the team's departure for England.
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