"What happens when India need Jasprit Bumrah badly?" Indian pacer issues stern warning

Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin criticized Jasprit Bumrah for missing two Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England. Azharuddin stated that players “can’t pick and choose matches” once picked in the squad, adding that they have to manage workload while playing for India.

The 31-year-old had informed the BCCI before the series about his fitness. Jasprit Bumrah played three out of five matches due to pre-planned workload management. He took 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls. Team India secured victories in the series in the two matches Bumrah missed.

You Can’t Pick And Choose Your Matches - Mohammad Azharuddin On Jasprit Bumrah

In an interview with Mid-Day, Mohammad Azharuddin stated that workload must be managed without skipping crucial games. Azhar lauded Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep for stepping up in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.

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“If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player has to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches. There is workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country,” said Azharuddin as quoted by Mid-Day.

"It was a different story that Siraj along with Prasidh (Krishna) and Akash Deep rose to the occasion and we were fortunate that we could win without Bumrah, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?,” he added.

Thanks To Nalli Gosht Biryani And Paya - Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin lauded Mohammed Siraj for his efforts during the Test series in England, crediting his fitness and strength. He said that Siraj delivered a standout spell at the Oval, where the pacer led the attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence with intensity and responsibility.

"Siraj was outstanding. Thanks to nalli gosht biryani and paya [which are his favourite food] he has developed a strong body, particularly his legs. He showed a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Throughout the series he had the hunger to excel and deliver for India," said Azharuddin (via the aforementioned source).

"That spell at the Oval was incredible. He took on the responsibility admirably in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He came hard at the England batters and bowled with a lot of intensity. He is clearly the new super star of Indian sport," he added.

Mohammed Siraj Was The Leading Wicket-Taker In The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Mohammed Siraj emerged as the top wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. He finished with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43 in five Tests, including two five-wicket hauls, which came in India’s only victories on the tour of England.

The pacer's best performance came in the series decider at The Oval, where the hosts needed just 35 runs to win on the final morning. Siraj produced a sensational spell, taking three of the last wickets to secure a dramatic six-run win for India.

The 31-year-old ended the match with figures of 4-86 and 5-104, earning the Player of the Match award. Notably, the series between India and England concluded in a 2-2 draw. The pacer has taken 123 wickets in 41 Tests, including five five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls.

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