Jasprit Bumrah shown brutal Mohammed Siraj mirror by India's Great asset vs Pakistan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan raised concerns about ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England. Pathan stated that other bowlers, like Mohammed Siraj, who was the leading wicket-taker in the recent series, played all five Tests.

Team India drew the recently concluded five-match series 2-2 despite missing senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with 754 runs, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja also scored over 500 runs each. Mohammed Siraj took 23 wickets at an average of 32.43.

Jasprit Bumrah Played Three Tests in the England-India Series

Jasprit Bumrah missed India’s Champions Trophy earlier in the year due to injury but returned to the Test side in England. He played only three of the five Tests as part of a workload management plan. The pacer took 14 wickets at an average of 26.00, including two five-wicket hauls.

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However, India lost both matches where he took five-wicket hauls, while the two Tests he missed ended in wins. Some former cricketers questioned Jasprit Bumrah's workload management, even without naming him directly.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj played all five Tests and emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. He delivered a memorable spell on the final morning of the fifth Test at The Oval, taking three of the last four wickets and helping India secure a six-run victory.

You Can’t Say, ‘I’ll Just Bowl Four Overs’ - Irfan Pathan’s Indirect Dig at Jasprit Bumrah

Irfan Pathan spoke about workload management for fast bowlers. Speaking to The Lallantop, he emphasized that recovery protocols are important, but the priority should be giving their best and competing fully for the team.

“I believe that technology and recovery should go hand in hand. You should also listen to your body. But once you step onto the field, workload shouldn’t be a consideration anymore. Then it’s just a battle. One team against another. You have to win. It’s a battle, and your only focus should be on winning by any means,” said Pathan.

“Recovery and field technology are fine. But once you step in, you’re wearing the Indian jersey. After that, don’t look back. You can’t say, ‘I’ll just bowl four overs’ or ‘I’ll bowl three overs’. People don’t just say this, they do it. That’s how it works these days.”

Mohammed Siraj Has a Workload Too, Right? - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan said that his remarks on workload management applied to all players, not just one. He cited Mohammed Siraj as an example, noting that Siraj played all five Tests and bowled over 140 km/h on the final day at The Oval.

“I’m talking about everyone, not just one player. Everyone. Siraj, on the last day of the last Test, was bowling at 145 km/h. He has a workload too, right? This applies to everyone. But once you step in, you give it your all,” said Pathan.

Jasprit Bumrah has a unique bowling style and body that require fitness management, but he still performs at the highest level. He has the best average among Test bowlers with more than 200 wickets, making him one of India’s greatest fast bowlers.

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