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"He's An Honest Man": Jasprit Bumrah Backed By Harbhajan Amid 'Workload' Debate

Soumyajit Dutta

Harbhajan Singh and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @BluntIndianGal/X.com]Harbhajan Singh and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @BluntIndianGal/X.com]

Former India spinner and two-time World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has expressed strong confidence in Jasprit Bumrah's ability to manage his own workload, calling the pace spearhead "a very honest man." 

Harbhajan, a worthy and acclaimed spinner of his time, made his statement as India prepares for the Asia Cup 2025, with Bumrah's fitness being paramount after he played only three Tests in the recent England series, taking 14 wickets.

Harbhajan Backs Bumrah For Being Honest

Harbhajan Singh emphasised that Bumrah possesses crucial self-awareness regarding his physical limits, especially vital following his return from a major injury. He stressed that honesty from the player is the most critical factor in workload management decisions. Speaking to The Times of India, Harbhajan highlighted Bumrah's integrity and understanding of his physical capacity.

"I don't know how much pain he (Jasprit Bumrah) is suffering from. But what I do know is that he is a very honest man and he won't lie. He knows about his body. He knows how much load his body can take and how much it can't. He has just come back after an injury. A lot of them are asking what workload means. Workload means when a bowler like Bumrah bowls on his own like he did in Australia. That is called workload because he is taking the load of others as well," Harbhajan said.

Praise & Caution for Siraj

While commending Mohammed Siraj for shouldering a heavy burden in England, by bowling 185 overs in the series, Harbhajan issued a note of caution, drawing parallels to Jasprit Bumrah's past breakdown.

"Siraj did it recently, but he can't do that for a whole year. There can come a series when you feel like you need to put in the extra effort and need to take a toll on the body. Bumrah did that in Australia, and in the end, he broke down. Siraj took it as well, and let's hope that he does not break down. I think a player's honesty is most important in this regard" Harbhajan added.

Not only Harbhajan, but speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar too backed Bumrah's decision to play only 3 Tests in the series. As Bumrah manages his workload, the ace pacer also faces the risk of missing out on the Asia Cup because of his soreness and injury.