A debate has sparked on the Indian bowlers' workload management ever since the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah was rested for two Tests in the five-match series against England in order to properly manage his workload. Interestingly, the Men in Blue won the two games where Bumrah was on the sidelines as the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep stepped up big time in the absence of the pace spearhead.
Pathan isn't a fan of the idea of workload management
Now former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has also weighed in on the debate and even though he directly didn't take Bumrah's name, he was heavily critical on the idea of workload management and stated that once a player gets on the field, then he should give his 100 per cent.
"I believe that technology and recovery should go hand in hand. You should also listen to your body. But once you step onto the field, workload shouldn't be a consideration anymore. Then it's just a battle. One team against another. You have to win. It's a battle, and your only focus should be on winning by any means," Pathan said during a chat on Lallantop.
"Recovery and field technology are fine. But once you step in, you're wearing the Indian jersey. After that, don't look back. You can't say, 'I'll just bowl four overs' or 'I'll bowl three overs'. People don't just say this, they do it. That's how it works these days," he added.
Pathan also cited the example of Siraj, claiming that the pacer's workload is taken lightly. He also hailed the 31-year-old for maintaining brilliant pace even on the final day of the fifth Test against England.
"I'm talking about everyone, not just one player. Everyone. Siraj, on the last day of the last Test, was bowling at 145 km/h. He has a workload too, right? This applies to everyone. But once you step in, you give it your all," Pathan stated.
Meanwhile, India's next Test assignment will be a two-match home series against West Indies which will commence from October 2. It will be interesting to see if Bumrah will feature in the matches or will be rested once again in order to manage his workload.
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