'Don't think it is a problem...': Virender Sehwag shares his take on workload management

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag weighed in on the debate around workload management and remarked that it is quite important for the bowlers. This statement comes after workload management has become quite a debated topic especially after it became the reason why Jasprit Bumrah ended up missing two Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir had made it clear before the start of the England Tests that Bumrah will only be playing in three out of the five matches. Notably, the pacer had come into the series after having sustained a serious back injury which had kept him out of the ICC Champions Trophy and was rested because the team management didn't want to risk getting him injured again.

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Though multiple former India cricketers were critical of Bumrah and even accused him of picking and choosing matches, Sehwag feels that it is important for the bowlers to manage their workload properly. He further highlighted how important it is for the Indian bowlers to stay fit especially with multiple major tournaments on the cards.

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“I think workload is important, especially for bowlers. For batsmen, I don’t think workload is a problem, since they can play and don’t have to play too many matches anyway. So, I think it’s important mainly for bowlers, especially fast bowlers," Sehwag said on Sony Sports Network.

“If they are managed properly, they can play for a longer time. For India, it’s important that all fast bowlers stay fit, because in big events like the Asia Cup or World Cup, if they are available, India’s chances of winning will be higher," he added.

Bumrah has been picked in India's Asia Cup squad

Meanwhile, Bumrah did perform well in the England series despite only featuring in three Tests. He finished with 14 wickets from five innings and racked up two five-wicket hauls as well. Though he didn't play every match in the series, there were still doubts over the 31-year-old's participation in Asia Cup 2025. However, the selectors decided to include Bumrah into the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for the tournament and it remains to be seen how he will perform in the competition.