We need clarity on Jasprit Bumrah, not negativity

India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah (BCCI Photo)

There is much talk on Jasprit Bumrah. While some of it is justified, people who are calling for his head know little of cricket. All of a sudden a section of fans, or rather trolls, have started attacking Bumrah. They have conveniently forgotten his efforts in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and his contributions to India’s Test wins in SENA countries in the last 7 years.

The truth is, a recalibration is needed. Should Bumrah be included in a five-match Test series when we know that his body will not hold up for more than three? Should the BCCI now convey to every player that either they will have to play all games depending on the requirements of the team or they will not be considered for a series? Should Bumrah be picked for two or three-match Test series given his body is more likely to hold up for these?

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First things first, India still needs Bumrah. Very much so. Except Siraj and to an extent Prasidh, the attack looked jaded at the Oval. Bumrah on that wicket could have done wonders and to say that it is time to move past him is plain wrong. Rather, he should be given clarity and a conversation as to how his services can be used in the future.

Take the West Indies series for example. If Bumrah is included in the Asia Cup, would he be in a position to play the first Test starting October 2? Should India prioritise red ball cricket and leave Bumrah out of the Asia Cup or how should his workload be managed?

Personally speaking I’d like to see Bumrah at the Asia Cup for the stakes involved. And thereafter he should surely be picked to play the series against South Africa. After all they are the current World Test Champions and that series could have a major impact on India’s WTC final ambitions. One hopes that against the West Indies at home, India can do without Bumrah but again this is one issue, which the team management needs to have clarity on.

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Many have asked me if Bumrah still has Test cricket left? Some even went on to say that he is likely to retire. The answer to the first question is an overwhelming yes. He is very likely to play the WTC cycle and India will absolutely need him against New Zealand in New Zealand. First, it will be a revenge series having lost to them 0-3 at home. Second, India hasn’t won a Test match in New Zealand in a decade and the presence of Bumrah in helpful conditions will be a boost to India’s ambitions.

Finally, I do see Jasprit Bumrah come to the UK one more time in 2027 if India makes the WTC final. It will be a one off game and Bumrah will want to sign off his Test career with that title under his belt. After all it is the format that matters and I don’t see him last till 2029. If India does make the final this time round, a hope that has got a huge boost after the Oval win, it could be Bumrah’s last Test visit to the UK.

We need clarity on Bumrah. Not negativity, but clarity. He stays a national treasure and needs to be treated as such.