“Make sure he is available for all games” - Ex-Indian cricketer opens up on Jasprit Bumrah picking and choosing games

Former Indian keeper-batter and commentator Deep Dagupta has made a startling comment on the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, asserting that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, shouldn’t have informed the media about the pacer’s participation in only three Tests on the England tour.

Advertisment

Notably, ahead of the squad selection for the England tour, Agarkar had informed the media that Bumrah would only be available for three out of five Tests on the tour, citing workload concerns, which didn’t go down well with many.

“Well, I think India shouldn't have announced the fact that he would be playing only three Test matches prior to departing for the series. I mean, you can always take a call on his availability as and when based on his physical situation and series scenario. But this thing of saying that he will be playing only three Test matches before the series has started, I think India could have avoided it,” Deep Dasgupta told IANS.

Furthermore, the former batter also asserted that once selected for a series or a tour, Bumrah should make himself available for all matches of that particular series or tour instead of picking and choosing games.

Advertisment

"It depends on him and the medical staff. But how I see it is, he's the best bowler in the world across three formats. So, you want him for all the crucial games. But then once he's available for the crucial ones, then I guess it can't be at the start of a tournament, that I'm going to play only 40% or 60% of the games - that can't happen,” he added.

“I mean, keep him ready for the crucial ones, and make sure he's available for all games. Then obviously, if there are injuries, if the body has taken a toll and he's not ready, that's a different issue altogether. But this availability for 50%, 60%, and all, I think that needs to be looked into because he is by far the best bowler in the world right now," he observed.

Interestingly, Bumrah couldn’t create a major impact in his third Test of the England tour, scalping only two wickets after conceding 112 runs in Manchester.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!