IND vs AFG: "If Jasprit Bumrah Cares About Test Cricket..." - Sanjay Manjrekar On Pacer's Future

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his perspective on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s future in Test cricket. Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that Jasprit Bumrah should prioritize Test cricket for the Indian team ahead of the white-ball bilateral series.

Jasprit Bumrah showcased an outstanding performance, claiming figures of 6/61 during South Africa’s second innings. He secured two wickets in the first innings in Cape Town. Bumrah was named ‘Player of the Match’ after his outstanding bowling performances.

South Africa were dismissed for 176 runs in their second innings in Cape Town on January 4. The visitors successfully chased down the 79-run target in the fourth innings with seven wickets to spare. The Rohit Sharma-led team leveled the two-match Test series at 1-1.

It’s Upto Jasprit Bumrah Really – Sanjay Manjrekar

During a discussion on Star Sports, Sanjay Manjrekar stated that Jasprit Bumrah‘s dedication to Test cricket will shape his future decisions. Manjrekar suggested that the ODI series in South Africa could have been replaced with an additional Test match.

“It’s up to him really. If he cares a lot about Test cricket, he will make sure that he plays more of Test cricket and less of some of the random white-ball bilateral cricket that gets played,” Manjrekar told Star Sports.

“I have a lot of time for private leagues but that three-match ODI series (before the Tests), ask people who are cricket fans, what is the result of that series or who played well in the first ODI. Nobody will remember but just imagine if that time was used to have a third Test match,” he added.

Bumrah displayed remarkable bowling prowess on Day 2, claiming five out of the seven Proteas wickets. He initiated the breakthrough by dismissing David Bedingham in the first over. He removed Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.

They Have Got So Many Test Matches Under Their Belt – Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar emphasized that Jasprit Bumrah should emulate the approach of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for a prolonged Test career. Manjrekar stated that Bumrah needs to preserve his body for Test matches in the future.

“It’s not even the 50-over World Cup year. So, it’s up to Jasprit Bumrah. If he wants to play Test cricket, he will have to actually preserve his body. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prioritized Test cricket and that’s why they have got so many Test matches under their belt,” Manjrekar stated.

India’s upcoming Test series against England, consisting of five matches, is set to commence later this month. Jasprit Bumrah, having played only four Tests at home, is likely to be rotated throughout the series, considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in India.

A report from the Indian Express indicates that the selection committee is contemplating resting Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for the forthcoming matches against Afghanistan. The team management is considering keeping both pacers fresh for the Test matches.

Also read: IND vs SA: “All Jasprit Bumrah Wanted Was A Bit Of Support From The Other End” – Rohit Sharma