Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 9: Ahead of the India vs England Test series, the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to a stress fracture became a major talking point. Bumrah’s careful management of his fitness, deciding which Tests to play amid England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, drew both criticism and admiration.

India’s Ajinkya Rahane lauded Bumrah for his transparency with the team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane said, “What I liked about Bumrah was that he was pretty clear; he knew what he wanted to do before the series. He said, ‘I’ll play the first one, I won’t play the second one, and then I’ll play the third.’ Great clarity for a captain.”

Rahane added that such openness shows the player’s courage and team-first mindset, noting that “sometimes players convey the same message and then get dropped.”

Despite Bumrah missing the final Test, with some fans trolling him and suggesting India only won when he was absent, former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik defended the pacer’s importance to Team India.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik said, “You have to look at it from Jasprit Bumrah’s point of view. The way the young team has fought will help him in his career. He is not someone who shies away from pressure or big matches.”

Karthik hailed Bumrah as the go-to bowler in crucial moments, adding, “If you want a wicket in a big moment, you go to Jasprit Bumrah. That is the name he has earned and deserves to be called.”

Bumrah’s injury management and leadership remain pivotal as India builds a strong pace attack for the future.