Ajit Agarkar strictly tells Jasprit Bumrah to be "available all the time"
Published - 19 Aug 2025, 06:19 PM | Updated - 19 Aug 2025, 06:22 PM
Table of Contents
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, has opened up about the criticism surrounding the workload management plan of the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Ajit Agarkar said that Jasprit Bumrah is a valuable asset to Team India, and he requires 'extra attention' because he is quite unique and has suffered some serious injuries in his career.
Jasprit Bumrah makes it to India's Asia Cup 2025 squad
Bumrah has been selected in the 15-member India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. While Bumrah being included in the India squad is an obvious thing, this comes as a big development because there were some reports about him missing the continental tournament.
It was reported that Jasprit Bumrah might skip the Asia Cup 2025 to keep himself fresh for the home Test series against West Indies, with the turnaround time being very short.
The World No.1 quick was last seen in action in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he featured in three out of five Test matches against England and looked threatening with the ball.
Notably, he played only three matches on the tour to manage his workload, and due to this, he was at the receiving end of a heavy backlash from former cricketers.
We want him available all the time- Ajit Agarkar
Speaking to the reporters, Ajit Agarkar said that they have been extra careful with Bumrah and the physios are always in touch with him.
“I don't think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series. The team management or the physios or people concerned are always in touch. It's not just now, and even before his injury, we tried to look after him because we know how valuable he is,” said Agakar during the press meet to announce India's squad for the continental showpiece.
Ajit Agarkar further said that they want the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to be preserved for big games. He asserted:
"Clearly, we want him available for all the big games. I know in international cricket, every game is a big game. But there are World Cups, there is Champion Trophy or big series like England or Australia. We want him available all the time."
It won't change whether it's this series or in the next six months - Ajit Agarkar
The BCCI chief selector also made it pretty clear that the workload management strategy involving Jasprit Bumrah wouldn't change because he is a quite special player.
"Most fast bowlers are monitored, and yes, because he has picked up an injury over the last 2-3 years. It's extra attention on how unique and how special he is and it won't change. It won't change whether it's this series or in the next six months," Agarkar added.
In the end, Agarkar stated that Bumrah will be monitored by the physios and trainers, and his participation in the upcoming matches will depend on what is the state of his body and when the team needs him desperately.
"As we go along, how he is feeling, when we require him as a team, which is probably the most important thing, and along with the physios and the trainers, those things are monitored. We hope that he is available more often than not," he added.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer isn’t well-liked by Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir: India coach reveals dark secret
About the Author
Sonanchal Gautam is a dedicated sports journalist, content manager, writer, and editor with over 4 y... Read more
