India’s legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has defended the team management’s handling of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite growing criticism over his workload. Bumrah, who played a pivotal role throughout the series, bowled 151.2 overs and suffered a back injury during the final Test in Sydney, preventing him from bowling on the decisive third day. India eventually failed to defend a 162-run target, losing the series 1-3.

Bumrah: The Backbone of India’s Bowling Attack
Bumrah’s extraordinary impact was instrumental in keeping India competitive. The pacer took 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 across the series and was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performances. Gavaskar noted that Bumrah’s effectiveness often led the team to rely heavily on him during critical moments.
“I think they did what was best for the team. Without Bumrah, India would not have been in any position to challenge Australia in this series. When you have a bowler who’s consistently taking wickets, it’s understandable that you tend to overuse him to achieve desired results,” Gavaskar told India Today.
Prayers for a Comeback on Day 3
Gavaskar revealed that he was hoping Bumrah could bowl a few overs on the final day despite his injury, recognizing his ability to make a game-changing impact.
“Yes, it’s a back injury, but Bumrah is a dedicated cricketer. If he had been even slightly able to bowl, I’m sure he would have. I was praying overnight that he could bowl four or five overs with the new ball. That could have made a big difference, especially with the modest target India had set,” Gavaskar remarked.
Workload Issues Began at the MCG
Gavaskar admitted that Bumrah’s workload became a concern during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he bowled eight to nine spells in the second innings. The demanding effort eventually took a toll on the pacer.
“What really added to his load was the fourth day in Melbourne. He bowled multiple spells, often three to four overs each, to keep India in the game. There was even a video where Bumrah was seen telling Rohit Sharma, ‘Ab bas ho gaya’ (Enough now). It shows that even for someone as passionate about bowling as Bumrah, the workload became overwhelming,” Gavaskar explained.
The Way Forward
While Gavaskar defended the team’s reliance on Bumrah, his comments highlight the importance of managing the workload of key players in the long term. Bumrah’s dedication and match-winning ability remain invaluable to Indian cricket, but striking a balance between performance and fitness will be crucial as India prepares for future challenges.