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India’s pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah played three Tests in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. It was pre-decided and announced as well that Bumrah will be available to play three Tests on the England tour to manage his workload and avoid risk of any injury. While Bumrah took 14 wickets in at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls, many pointed out that India didn’t win the Tests he played in. A few former cricketers also criticised him over workload management. Amidst criticism, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has come in Bumrah’s defense and called out people’s double standards.
"It’s not picking and choosing. Just a few months back he was hailed as the world’s greatest fast bowler in Australia and now, he is being criticised unfairly. Did he underperform in the three Tests? Two fifers he took. Why do you think it was announced way before the series itself that he will play 3 Tests; precisely to stop this kind of nonsense. Not for the world to fall to temptation and say play him as this Test is crucial," Arun told Indian Express.
The 31-year-old had previously played all five Tests in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he did a heavy workload—bowling 151.2 overs and taking 32 wickets. During the Sydney Test, which was the final match of the series, he was forced to stop bowling midway due to a back injury. India went on to lose the series 1-3. The injury also ruled Bumrah out of the Champions Trophy and initial matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Arun sad to hear criticism around Bumrah
Notably, India won both the matches in which Bumrah did not play. Arun has backed Bumrah’s decision to play only three Tests, noting that the pacer is returning from surgery and it's challenging to bowl in back-to-back matches.
"It’s so sad to hear about this stuff against Bumrah. He has had a serious surgery, and people should understand it is not as if the surgery is done and he is all good forever. No, this is far more serious stuff on his back now.
"His body is like that now. We have to be careful and understand how hard this entire effort is and such a great feat for him to do what he is doing – playing for India through all this," he added.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Bumrah may not feature in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025. The T20 tournament is followed by the two-Test series against West Indies at home.
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