In response to criticism of Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management plan, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated on Tuesday that the pace spearhead’s handling will not change since they want him “available for all the big games.”
Bumrah has been included in India’s 15-man T20 squad for the Asia Cup, which begins in the United Arab Emirates on September 9.
Bumrah only participated in three of the five Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy matches against England, claiming workload management, which sparked some heated discussions.
“I don’t think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series. The team management or the physios or people concerned are always in touch. It’s not just now, and even before his injury, we tried to look after him because we know how valuable he is,” said Agarkar during the press meet to announce India’s squad for the continental showpiece.
Agarkar expressed this belief that Bumrah should be kept for future significant games in a categorical manner.
“Clearly, we want him available for all the big games. I know in international cricket, every game is a big game. But there are World Cups, there is Champion Trophy or big series like England or Australia. We want him available all the time. Most fast bowlers are monitored and yes, because he has picked up an injury over the last 2-3 years. It’s extra attention on how unique and how special he is and it won’t change. It won’t change whether it’s this series or in the next six months,” Agarkar added.
The closeness to the home Test series against the West Indies in October raised some questions about Bumrah’s availability for the forthcoming continental event.
However, he was chosen by the selectors, and this will be Bumrah’s first T20 competition since the World Cup last year.
Bumrah’s selection for next events, according to Agarkar, will be determined by his body condition at the time and will be negotiated with everyone concerned.
“As we go along, how he is feeling, when we require him as a team, which is probably the most important thing and along with the physios and the trainers, those things are monitored. We hope that he is available more often than not,” he added.
