'You Can't Pick And Choose': Pathan Questions Bumrah's Absence From 2nd Test
Jasprit Bumrah is not playing for India in the 2nd Test against England, which is taking place at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is not happy with Jasprit Bumrah's absence from India's playing XI for the second Test against England, which got underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Wednesday (July 2). According to India Test captain Shubman Gill, Bumrah has been rested for the second England Test due to workload management.
Pathan, who has now donned the hat of an expert, while speaking on Sony Sports on Wednesday, when asked about Bumrah, said one can't pick and choose matches, 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? 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. 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," Pathan said.
'After this, when is the 5-match Test series being played overseas? This is not happening in this (2025-27) WTC cycle. There are 2 (Tests) in New Zealand. 2 (Tests) in Sri Lanka. There is no other overseas series. So this was the series where you had to play. If you don't play, then it is not good for the team. This is what I believe. I totally understand the niggles, but injury can be a concern in the future, and that's why you have to manage workload. If you pick and choose because of that, then that means Indian cricket is not getting the complete benefit," he added.
Bumrah was India's best bowler in the first Test. He bowled 24.4 overs in the first innings and picked up five wickets for 83 runs.
First Published:
July 02, 2025, 19:35 IST
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