Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar advised India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah to play all five Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, dismissing the concerns of workload.
Bumrah is enjoying a dream run in the ongoing series against Australia, where he has taken 12 wickets in the first two fixtures and is the leading wicket-taker.
The right-arm pacer played a pivotal role in leading India to a resounding 295-run victory over Australia in the series opener in Perth.
Highlighting the pacer’s impact, Gavaskar urged that he should play all five fixtures against Australia unless he is injured.
The former cricketer further argued that Bumrah would have adequate time to rest as the second Test unfolded in around two and a half days.
“I would like him to play all five Test matches. You’re playing for India, there is no question about workload and stuff like that. He has to play all five Test matches unless he is injured,” said Gavaskar.
“This match finished in two and a half days. This hasn’t gone for five days. So, the man gets five days of break. If he has a problem or an injury, then yes. But if he doesn’t have an injury, you’ve been giving four-over, five-over spells. That is perfect,” he added.
Gavaskar reiterated that India’s decision to rest Bumrah would reduce their chances of taking all 20 wickets of the dominant hosts.
“If you’re not going to play him in all five matches, you reduce your chance of taking 20 Australian wickets.”
For the unversed, the five-match series between Australia and India is levelled at 1-1, with third Test scheduled to be played in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.
- Sunil Gavaskar
- Jasprit Bumrah
