"Rest in IPL" - Aakash Chopra's blunt message to Jasprit Bumrah amid IND vs ENG Tests

India managed to mount an incredible comeback in the five-match Test series against England by winning the second Test match by 106 runs. The standout performer for India was bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who took nine wickets in the entire game. He destroyed the spine of the England batting order with a six-fer in the first innings. In addition, Bumrah made history by being the first bowler to ever hold the top spot across all forms in the ICC Rankings.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra while speaking up on his YouTube channel, stated that Jasprit Bumrah shall not be rested for the third Test match starting from February 15. Chopra termed Bumrah as a national asset and added that he shall be kept in cotton wool. Chopra further added that it is not easy to take a rest as a cricketer but if Bumrah wants he can take a rest during the Indian Premier League as well.

I would say he won’t rest at all – Aakash Chopra on Jasprit Bumrah

Aakash Chopra said, “I would say he won’t rest at all. To be very honest, he shouldn’t be rested as well, although a lot of people don’t agree with me on this. They say Bumrah should be rested and be kept in cotton wool as he is a national asset and a treasure.”

“I agree with all of that but ultimately, a cricketer has to play. You will have to play Test matches because you are absolute gold dust and we don’t want to play without you. That’s what I believe. You can rest in the IPL if you want. It’s absolutely okay.”

There were rumors ahead of the third IND vs ENG Test match that Jasprit Bumrah may be rested from the Rajkot Test. However, Bumrah has been included as the vice-captain of the side in the squad for the last three Tests against England. Bumrah has been an injury-prone and has missed many important matches and tournaments due to his injuries.

Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback to international cricket after almost a year in August last year. It was believed that Bumrah would be bowling with the same accuracy and pace, however, he proved all the cricket pundits wrong as he became more lethal than before.

Jasprit Bumrah was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023 and picked up 21 wickets from 11 games. Bumrah also bowled brilliantly during the tour of South Africa and grabbed a fifer in the second Test match in Cape Town. His performance also played a huge role in India’s first-ever Test win at the Sahara Park Newlands.

Ahead of the third IND vs ENG Test match, the Indian team management has a lot of problems to address. The middle order has not been able to perform in the first two Tests, however, the return of KL Rahul shall add some strength to the middle order in Rajkot.

The five-match series is currently levelled at 1-1 wherein England registered a remarkable win in Hyderabad by 28 runs and made a banging start to the series. However, India came back strong and now would be hoping to make a lead by winning the Rajkot Test.