'That injury is very sensitive, it’s that serious': Mohammed Siraj makes honest appeal to Indian fans on Jasprit Bumrah

Mohammed Siraj makes honest appeal to Indian fans on Jasprit Bumrah (AFP Photo)

Jasprit Bumrah has been unable to catch a break ever since the chatter around his "workload management" started. Whether he plays or rests, his workload remains the topic of discussion among experts and it continued even during the first Test against West Indies, which Bumrah played in less than a week's time since taking part in the Asia Cup final.

It all started a few months ago when Bumrah decided to play three of the five Tests in England. This was decided even before the team flew to the United Kingdom and subsequently the pacer missed the second match at Edgbaston and the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Interestingly, India won both the Tests that Bumrah did not play in.

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Mohammed Siraj, his bowling partner, was asked to weigh-in on the subject at Indian Express' Idea Exchange, where despite being the country's best pacer Bumrah faced immense criticism, particularly for missing the Oval match. Siraj stood up for his beloved "Jassi bhai" and said he knows what he is doing.

"Bumrah bhai doesn't worry about outside opinion. He had a serious back injury and a big surgery. Had he bowled in that match, one can’t say whether he would have bowled again or not, if he had broken down. It’s that serious. That injury is very sensitive. His bowling action is very difficult. He is such an important bowler for India and his availability is so important – from Asia Cup to next year’s World Cup and so on," Siraj said.

"Indian fans should understand that he is the backbone of the team and be rest assured that whenever possible, he will definitely play. Jassi bhai took the perfect decision," he added.

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A home series against the West Indies would have been ideal for the management to rest their premier pacer but that wasn't the case. However, Bumrah was instead excluded from the ODI series against Australia, starting from October 19.