Sanjay Manjrekar revealed Jasprit Bumrah’s low participation rate, stating the pacer has played just 34% of India’s matches in the last three years. Highlighting his importance, Manjrekar urged Bumrah’s inclusion in every Test match.
Manjrekar Urges Jasprit Bumrah To Play Every Test Match
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has emphasized Jasprit Bumrah’s importance. He noted the premier pacer has participated in just 34% of India’s matches over the last three years.
Manjrekar believes that despite Bumrah’s workload concern, his inclusion in critical Test series, like the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, remains non-negotiable.
Manjrekar addressed this issue while pointing out Bumrah’s limited participation. He has been balanced by India’s management ensuring adequate rest.
“I play him every Test match purely because Indian cricket takes care of Bumrah. And I’ve said this before as well, the number is etched in my head. 34% of international matches that India have played in the last three years is what Bumrah has played. Only 34% of what Indian cricket has played. So he’s well rested. And this is when you need because these are the series that will be remembered forever,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
“Give him a break in one of those bilaterals that we forget 48 hours later,” he added.
Bumrah’s Recent Performance And Workload
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Jasprit Bumrah has already bowled 54 overs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He recently performed in Perth and Adelaide were crucial for India.
Notably, across both Venues, Perth and Adelaide, Bumrah claimed 12 wickets. As a result India secured a 295-run victory for India, under Bumrah’s captaincy.
However, Manjrekar acknowledged Bumrah’s pressure due to absence of consistent backup pacers.
Mohammad Siraj and Harshit Rana tried to support Bumrah, but their efforts were not sufficient against Australia‘s batting line-up.
Calls For Finding Reliable Backup
Manjrekar expressed concern about India’s over-reliance on Bumrah in Challenging Test series. He urged Indian selectors to focus on identifying a dependable third seamer.
“Makes me think because Shami was a very close second or on many occasions he was number one, and Bumrah was number two. He had the third seamer, Mohammed Siraj, for a while, you know, was there. He’s still bowling his heart out. He’s doing the best that, as I said, what he has currently,” said Manjrekar.
“But what he has as a bowler, as a gift, as an ability, is that going to be enough? So India will have to keep looking out for that third seamer who’s very close. Harshit Rana was pretty impressive in the Perth test. But yes, I think that should be the focus of finding a bowler who, if Bumrah gets off the attack, is still a little concerned about the other two. Shouldn’t be like, you know, how it was way back in the 90s when you just saw one new ball bowler. (1:30) There’s nobody else to worry about on an immediate basis,” he added.
The current Border-Gavaskar Trophy is levelled, and the third Test at Gabba will be decisive. As calls grow louder for Bumrah’s constant inclusion, India’s strategy for managing his workload will be closely observed.
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