De Villiers Questions Bumrah's Workload Management, Hints at Potential Surprise in England Test Series

De Villiers Questions India's Handling of Bumrah Ahead of Test Series

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has raised concerns about India's management of Jasprit Bumrah's workload during the ongoing Test series against England. De Villiers suggested that India might have missed an opportunity to ensure Bumrah's availability for all five matches.

Bumrah will not play more than 3 Tests in England, says Gautam Gambhir. (PTI Photo)

De Villiers drew a parallel to South Africa's approach with Dale Steyn, where less important series were skipped to ensure Steyn was in peak condition for major Test tours. He expressed disappointment over the possibility of India being without their key bowler for the entire Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Bumrah's Limited Availability

Prior to the series, it was confirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests. Despite his presence in the first Test in Leeds, where he claimed a five-wicket haul, India suffered a defeat. England successfully chased down a target of 371, taking a 1-0 lead.

Despite the loss, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has maintained that the plan for Bumrah remains unchanged.

A Possible Surprise?

While Bumrah did not bowl during India's first training session in Birmingham, his return to full-fledged bowling in the nets has sparked hopes for his inclusion in the second Test.

De Villiers playfully hinted at a potential surprise, suggesting that India might field Bumrah in all five Tests. He also acknowledged the opportunity for other bowlers like Arshdeep Singh or Kuldeep Yadav to prove their mettle.

Bumrah's Commitment to Workload Management

Bumrah had earlier emphasized the importance of managing his workload, citing consultations with doctors and trainers regarding his body's capacity to handle the demands of Test cricket. He also declined the offer to captain the Test side, prioritizing his physical well-being.

De Villiers stressed that India should have devised a more comprehensive strategy to ensure Bumrah's full availability for such a crucial series.

The Importance of Bumrah

"He's probably the best bowler in the world across all formats right now. So, it's incredibly difficult to find the right time to rest him," de Villiers said.

De Villiers explained how they managed Dale Steyn, prioritizing major Test tours. He acknowledged the possibility of Bumrah's recent injury and the advice of his surgeon as factors influencing his availability.

Bumrah's past commitment to playing the full Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25 was also mentioned, highlighting the significance of his presence in high-stakes series.

Should Bumrah miss the second Test in Birmingham, India might have to rely on less experienced players such as Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.