'You have not come here for a holiday...': Sunil Gavaskar's clear warning to India on Jasprit Bumrah's workload management ahead of 4th Test

Team India are in a do-or-die situation in the ongoing Test series against England. Following their painful defeat in the third Test, Shubman Gill-led India face the daunting task of winning both of the remaining matches to win the five-match series. England are currently 2-1 ahead in the series, with two matches remaining.

India suffered a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord's which was a full of drama. After both sides posted identical scores of 387 runs in their respective first innings, the Indian bowlers put in a commendable effort to dismiss England for just 192 runs in the second innings. However, when set a target of 193 runs for victory, the Indian batting lineup faltered and was eventually bowled out for a mere 170 runs.

This victory allowed England to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. England now requires just one more win or two draws to clinch the series, while India must win both remaining games to secure a Test series victory in England for the first time since 2007.

No superstar player should take a break: Sunil Gavaskar

Leading up to the penultimate Test of the series, the management of Jasprit Bumrah's workload has once again become a prominent topic of discussion. The Indian team management had previously faced significant criticism for resting Bumrah during the second Test at Edgbaston. Despite a week-long interval between the first and second Tests, India opted to rest their key pacer after losing the opening match. Fortunately for India, this decision did not prove costly as they went on to win the second Test and level the series.

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Jasprit Bumrah returned to the playing eleven for the third Test and made an immediate impact by claiming a total of 7 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Speculation is now rife that Bumrah might be rested once again for the fourth Test as part of workload management.

However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has cautioned against this, advising Bumrah not to miss the crucial fourth Test.  Before the series started, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir Bumrah had communicated to the team management his availability for only three out of the five matches in the series. Given this scenario, it would not be surprising if he is indeed rested for the fourth Test to ensure his participation in the fifth and final game. Nevertheless, Sunil Gavaskar has firmly stated that no superstar player should take a break during an ongoing series. Gavaskar also suggested that players who have not had the opportunity to play in the first three Tests should utilize the break to participate in domestic cricket in England.