Gavaskar Cautions Bumrah on Workload Management Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has advised premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to carefully manage his workload before the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, emphasizing that no player is irreplaceable.

Bumrah participated in only three Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Tests to manage his workload.

He started the series at Headingley but missed the second Test at Edgbaston. He then played in the third and fourth matches at Lord’s and Old Trafford.

Despite India’s opportunity to level the series 2-2 with a victory at The Oval, the team maintained its original strategy.

His absence from the crucial fifth match was met with criticism, given what was at stake in the series.

While Bumrah has reportedly confirmed his availability for the Asia Cup 2025, Gavaskar shared straightforward advice on managing his workload.

In a column for a news outlet, the former India captain also urged selectors to make well-considered decisions regarding Bumrah’s playing schedule.

Gavaskar wrote, “Nobody is indispensable. Therefore, it is crucial for selectors to determine when Jasprit Bumrah should play.”

He added, “There has been significant discussion about his appearances in the recent series in England. He informed the selection committee that he could only play three of the five Tests.”

Sunil Gavaskar further commented that Jasprit Bumrah should have played in the crucial fifth Test, especially since it was on the ‘grassiest pitch’ and the next Test was two months away, allowing ample recovery time.

Gavaskar stated, “The debate is whether he should have played the last must-win Test match, particularly on the greenest pitch at the Oval in a long time. The next Test match was in early October, providing two months for rest and recovery.”

“The Indian team management mentioned that his future was a consideration in the decision. This blurred the line between individual benefit and the interests of Indian cricket.

“If he was fit at that stage, he had to play for the sake of Indian cricket. Whether it was his decision or the management’s is unclear, but India’s win reaffirmed that nobody is indispensable. The game moves on.”