India spin legend Harbhajan Singh believes the term ‘workload management’ is overused in modern-day cricket and attributes this trend largely to the rise in popularity of T20 cricket.
Before the start of the series, the Indian team management had decided that Jasprit Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, following concerns after he played five consecutive Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Having already featured in two Tests, the big question now facing the team management is whether to include Bumrah in the fourth Test.
“See, workload management is a new thing. Once the IPL came, people started saying, ‘I’ll bowl 24 balls in a match and they’ll be absolutely spot on,’ and that’s how players trained. If you go back in time, what was workload? Workload was fitness. Players played five-match series back then too. But yes, if someone is concerned about injury, then you do need to be careful,” said Harbhajan Singh on the sidelines of the WCL 2025.
Speaking about Bumrah, Harbhajan stated that the pacer is a very honest cricketer who, if fully fit, is capable of bowling long spells – just as he did in Australia. However, his unique bowling action places a lot of strain on his body, and he should therefore be managed with caution. Nonetheless, Harbhajan emphasised that if Bumrah is fit, he should play all five Tests, as he can pose a serious threat to any opposition.
“But look, Jasprit is the most honest cricketer out there. If he’s not in pain, he won’t just bowl a four-over spell – he’ll give you a 10-over spell. He did that in Australia too. He bowled so much there that he got injured. His action contributes to that. His run-up is short, and to bowl at high speed, the finish of his action puts a lot of stress on the body. If his body is fine, make him play all five Tests. If he plays five Tests, India will win the series. Ask any opposition – they’ll all say they don’t like facing Bumrah,” he added.
With England leading the series 2-1, the upcoming Test in Manchester is a must-win for India.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz