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"We Should Listen To Physios": Ex-Selector Supports Bumrah's Workload Management

Rajgeeta Yadav

Chetan Sharma backs Jasprit Bumrah [Source: AFP]Chetan Sharma backs Jasprit Bumrah [Source: AFP]

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Chetan Sharma has come out in support of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has faced criticism for playing only three out of five Test matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

Bumrah played the first, third, and fourth Tests but skipped two matches as part of his workload management plan. During those games, Mohammed Siraj led India’s pace attack. Many fans and experts questioned this decision, especially since the series ended in a 2-2 draw, but Sharma believes there’s no reason to doubt the call.

Chetan Sharma Supports Bumrah’s Decision To Skip Two Tests vs England

According to Chetan, players must listen to the medical team and physios because they understand the risks better. He compared it to following a doctor’s advice when you’re sick. 

“If the medical team advises, if the doctor tells me that I have to take antibiotics, then I have to consume them. If our physios are telling a player to manage workload, I think we should listen to them because they are the better judges," he said on the sidelines of the country's public service broadcaster Prasar Bharti signing a deal with London-based cricket analytics company CricViz on Monday.

"I know that whoever is selected will be the best for the country. And the kind of cricket we are playing right now, I’m really proud with the way India played in England. And I’m very confident that we are definitely going to win the Asia Cup (to be played in T20 format) because soon after that we are playing the T20 World Cup (in 2026) in India,” he said.

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly declared himself available for the Asia Cup in UAE and  if Bumrah returns, it will be a big boost for the team. His last T20I was the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where his brilliant spell of 2/18 helped India lift the trophy. Since then, he has been rested from the format to manage his body.

Statistically, Bumrah is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, with 89 wickets in 70 matches, an excellent average of 17.74, and an economy rate of just 6.28 runs per over.

Looking ahead, BCCI selectors will meet in Mumbai on August 19 to finalise India’s squad for the upcoming tournament. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to address the media after the meeting.