ENG vs IND: Why Ben Stokes and Jasprit Bumrah's workload management is incomparable
Bumrah missed the Edgbaston Test to manage his workload, a decision that sparked debate, especially after his lone-wolf performance in Leeds, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings. But with Stokes' superhuman effort at Lord's, the topic of workload management has once again resurfaced.Irfan Pathan critical of BumrahStokes stole the spotlight once again after delivering an extraordinary spell, bowling nearly 14 overs on the trot in the second innings. He bowled five overs late on Day 4, then resumed on Day 5 to send down another nine consecutive overs, showcasing immense endurance and commitment.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in critically on the workload debate, calling it "overrated." He argued that India haven't utilised Jasprit Bumrah to his full potential. According to Pathan, Bumrah's workload was already managed with rest during the Edgbaston Test, and he should have been available more for the Lord's match."Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2 over spell in the morning on day five. What a player he is. He bowls, bats and executes a crucial run out of Rishabh Pant but there is no talk of workload management. But with India it is not like that."Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root to come out to bat when you need to control the game (in the second innings). It was disappointing," Pathan said on his YouTube channel."His workload was managed having not played at Edgbaston. When you play a match, there is no workload. You have to win at all costs. The Indian camp could have done that better," Pathan added.advertisementNow the question is, can one compare Bumrah and Stokes' workload?Different career, different workloadWhile both are indispensable to their teams, their roles-and by extension, their physical demands-differ significantly. Stokes is a genuine all-rounder, balancing leadership, batting in the middle order, and bowling extended spells when needed.Bumrah, on the other hand, is a frontline fast bowler whose job revolves entirely around high-intensity, pace-heavy spells that place a unique strain on the body, particularly the back and joints.The intensity, frequency, and type of overs they bowl aren't directly comparable. Stokes may bowl long spells, but often at a more controlled pace and with strategic variation. Bumrah's workload includes bursts of express pace, toe-crushing yorkers, and relentless pressure - requiring more recovery time, especially after injury.Moreover, it's important to consider the format demands. Stokes is currently active in only one format - Test cricket. He hasn't featured in a T20I since England's title-winning campaign at the 2022 T20 World Cup, and his last ODI appearance came during the 2023 ODI World Cup. In contrast, Bumrah remains an all-format player for India, even though he hasn't played a T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.advertisementThis distinction matters. The scheduling, recovery time, and preparation across formats significantly add to an all-format player's physical and mental toll. While Stokes can now channel all his energy into red-ball cricket, Bumrah continues to navigate the demands of Tests, ODIs, and T20s - making workload management not just sensible, but essential.The IPL factorFor Indian cricketers, the Indian Premier League (IPL) holds prime importance. Beyond high-quality cricket, the IPL is a massive commercial enterprise focused on branding, distribution, TRPs, and revenue generation. If marquee players like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Jasprit Bumrah were to skip the IPL, it could negatively impact these factors, leading to lower viewership and, consequently, reduced revenue.While international stars like Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes have opted out of the IPL multiple times to prioritize international cricket and preserve their fitness, the scenario is different for Indian players like Bumrah and Kohli. Technically, they can also choose to sit out the IPL - no rules prevent them - but there are strong, unspoken pressures that make it difficult to pull out.For example, Bumrah played intense cricket for two months straight before heading to England for the high-profile Test series. This raises concerns about the risk of injury due to overexertion. Bumrah's ongoing battles with injuries over the years have been challenging both for him and the Indian team, making workload management a delicate balancing act.advertisementTherefore, when it comes to workload management, comparing Bumrah and Stokes isn't entirely fair. Both are invaluable to their teams and possess the rare ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. However, their career trajectories and demands differ sharply.Stokes, now committed solely to Test cricket, enjoys more space for recovery and rest. Bumrah, in contrast, remains a three-format player for India and regularly features in the high-intensity environment of the IPL - leaving far less room for recuperation.All eyes will be on both players when the fourth and penultimate Test begins on July 23 at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.- EndsTune InYou May Also Like
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