Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has backed Jasprit Bumrah amid criticism for missing the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. Bumrah was rested as part of India’s workload management plan. The team management had confirmed before the series that he would play only three of the five Tests. Despite his absence, India won the match to level the series 2-2.
“It’s so sad to hear about this stuff against Bumrah. He has had a serious surgery, and people should understand it is not as if the surgery is done and he is all good forever. No, this is far more serious stuff on his back now,” Arun told The Indian Express.
Arun slammed critics for suggesting Bumrah was “picking and choosing” matches, calling the criticism unfair. “It’s not picking and choosing. Just a few months back, he was hailed as the world’s greatest fast bowler in Australia, and now, he is being criticised unfairly. Did he underperform in the three Tests? Two fifers he took,” he said.
The BCCI had announced Bumrah’s limited participation before the series to avoid last-minute debates over his availability. Arun said this decision was made to protect the bowler and keep him fit for the long term.
“Why do you think it was announced way before the series itself that he will play 3 Tests; precisely to stop this kind of nonsense. Not for the world to fall to temptation and say play him as this Test is crucial … His body is like that now. We have to be careful and understand how hard this entire effort is and such a great feat for him to do what he is doing – playing for India through all this,” Arun said.
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