Picture Credit: X
With the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series moving to the third one, which is set to commence from Saturday, December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane, the Indian cricket team has a lot of concerns to address, including their batting lineup as well as the bowling attack. Amidst this, former India cricketer turned commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar has brushed off workload concerns for Jasprit Bumrah.
It is to be noted that concerns around Bumrah's participation rose after he was seen struggling in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Although, Bumrah has been the best in the side, he has been a crucial figure in the ongoing series, having scalped 12 wickets from two matches at an average of 11.25 and an economy of 2.50.
I play him every Test match: Sanjay Manjrekar on Bumrah playing all five Tests vs Australia
Although the pacer spearhead pulled up his abductor muscle, but was fit again to bowl, clocking comparatively low at 120 kmph. Despite this, Manjrekar opined that Bumrah should play all Tests as he has played only 34 per cent international matches in last three years. “I play him every Test match purely because Indian cricket takes care of Bumrah. And I've said this before as well, the number is etched in my head. 34% of international matches that India have played in the last three years is what Bumrah has played. Only 34% of what Indian cricket has played. So he's well rested. And this is when you need, because these are the series that will be remembered forever. Give him a break in one of those bilaterals that we forget 48 hours later," Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
Since 2022, India has played a total of 165 matches across formats, out of which Bumrah has played only 47 matches. If we take an average of this, the Indian spearhead has played just 28.48 per cent international matches for India in past three years, which also includes a break of 10 months. Speaking particularly of Test cricket, Bumrah has played 17 out of 28 matches since 2022, which make 60 per cent of it.
