Former India National Cricket Team skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has issued an ultimatum to the star right-arm pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Mohammad Azharuddin said that the picking and choosing of the matches by Jasprit Bumrah needs to end forever, as he can’t be selective when he is playing for the country.
Jasprit Bumrah played 3 out of 5 Tests on the England tour
Bumrah has become the most-talked-about cricketer in the world in the last few months, but he is not making headlines for his performances; rather, he is in discussion because of his ‘pick-and-choose’ act.
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In the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England on English soil, Bumrah featured in three out of five Test matches in order to manage his workload.
It was a pre-determined plan as heading into the five-match Test series as the BCCI chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, had announced that the pace spearhead had been given a green light to play three Tests to avoid any freak injuries.
He chose to play first, third, and fourth games, where he bowled 119.4 overs and picked 14 wickets. However, former cricketers and experts were angry at Jasprit Bumrah for missing two crucial games.
What happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation – Mohammad Azharuddin
Speaking at the launch of Syed Kirmani’s book, Stumped, Azharuddin, in an interaction with Mid-Day, said that Jasprit Bumrah can’t decide which matches to play and he should be available whenever the nation needs him without worrying about his workload management, unless he is injured.
“If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player have 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.
“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?”
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He took on the responsibility admirably in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah – Mohammad Azharuddin hails Mohammed Siraj
Mohammad Azharuddin was mighty impressed with the performances delivered by Mohammed Siraj in all five Tests against England, where he bagged 23 wickets and finished as the leading wicket-taker.
Azharuddin labelled Mohammed Siraj as the “new superstar of Indian sport” and praised his stunning yorker to castle Gus Atkinson and seal a 6-run win for India at Kennington Oval in London. He said:
“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.
“His last delivery which was bowled at 143 kmph is a great tribute to Siraj’s fitness and strength that has made him a super star. 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 superstar of Indian sport.”
