Dilip Vengsarkar Defends Bumrah (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com, @iam_cgk/x.com)
After Team India ended the five-match Test series against England in a draw, the criticism has been harsh on Jasprit Bumrah. Due to the workload management, the pacer only played three Tests and faced sharp criticism from fans and experts alike.
Amidst the criticism, former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar defended the ace pacer. He argued that the management should have asked the star pacer to skip the IPL, keeping him fully ready for the crucial Test series.
Skipping IPL 2025 Might Alter The Outcome
In recent times, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload has become a topic of discussion as the pacer is missing out on some of the crucial games for India. In the five-match Test series against England, the pacer only featured in three Tests, and after that, criticism became harder on that as a question was raised over his role as a complete all-format bowler.
Weighing in on the debate, former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar came up with his take. Speaking to The Times Of India, Vengsarkar stated that BCCI should have advised Jasprit Bumrah to skip IPL 2025, given the significance of the five-Test series against England.
“Considering the importance of the India versus England Test series and his fragile back, Bumrah should have been told by the BCCI, selectors, and the Indian team management to miss IPL 2025. It was very important that we had a fully fit and refreshed Bumrah for this iconic series. If I were the Indian chief selector, I would have convinced Mukesh Ambani and Bumrah that it was important for Bumrah to miss the IPL for the England series, or play some matches in the IPL,” he said.
Bumrah’s Presence Could Shift The Final Result
Playing three Test matches for India in the recently ended Test series, Bumrah secured 14 wickets and ended up being the fourth highest wicket-taker. In his absence, Mohammed Siraj stepped up with exceptional performances, while new Test captain Shubman Gill led India through intense battles. But Dilip Vengsarkar believed Bumrah’s presence could have shifted the series into India’s favor.
“A series like this one takes place probably once in four years. I believe India are not playing a five-Test series till Jan 2027 (against Australia). It was a series for the ages, and I wish Bumrah was available for almost all the Tests. We could have won the series if that was the case,” he said.
As the Asia Cup 2025 is coming up in September 2025, Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the marquee tournament is still not confirmed, as a home Test series against West Indies is commencing right after that. Fans are eagerly waiting to know, Bumrah will feature in the Asia Cup or skip it to stay fresh for the Tests.
