Harbhajan Singh Voices Concerns Over Bumrah’s Workload Management

MANCHESTER: Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recently shared his perspective on the limited availability of Jasprit Bumrah during the Test series against England, expressing reservations regarding workload management practices.

During the World Cricket League (WCL) 2025 event, Harbhajan addressed what he perceives as the overuse of the term workload management in modern cricket.

Harbhajan’s Perspective on Workload

“The concept of workload management is relatively new. With the advent of the IPL, players have grown accustomed to bowling only 24 balls per game, influencing their training regimens. Historically, workload primarily focused on maintaining fitness.

“Players routinely completed full five-match series without complaint. Of course, injuries necessitate a cautious approach,” Harbhajan clarified.

He also lauded Bumrah’s dedication and sincerity, suggesting that if the fast bowler is in good health, he should participate in all five Tests.

“Jasprit is an exceptionally honest cricketer. If he is not experiencing pain, he will readily bowl ten overs without hesitation. This was evident in Australia,” he added.

“He pushed himself extensively and sustained an injury. His bowling action, characterized by a short run-up, high velocity, and intense release, places significant stress on his body. However, if he is fit, he must be included in all five Tests.

“India’s chances of winning the series are significantly enhanced if Bumrah plays every match. Any opposing team would prefer not to face him,” he stated.

It is anticipated that Bumrah, India’s key fast bowler, will only participate in three of the five Tests in the series, a decision made by team management to mitigate the risk of injury.

Having already played in two Tests against England, Bumrah is expected to be available for only one of the remaining two matches.

With several players, including Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Rishabh Pant, sidelined due to injuries, India may need to reinstate Bumrah into the lineup for the critical match at Old Trafford.

England secured a narrow 22-run victory over India in the third Test of the five-match series at Lord’s the previous week.

India’s batting order faltered while pursuing a target of 193, ultimately scoring 170, despite a fighting half-century from Ravindra Jadeja in the lower order.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, received the Player of the Match award for his exceptional all-round performance.

England currently leads the series 2-1, with the fourth Test scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27.

India Squad for England Tests:

Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.