Jasprit Bumrah 'may have never bowled again' had he played 'that match'; India pacer doesn't care about others' opinions

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has come out in strong support of Jasprit Bumrah, urging fans to trust the ace pacer’s decisions and to stop doubting his commitment to the team.

Ever since the term “workload management” became a buzzword in Indian cricket, Bumrah has been at the centre of heated discussions — whether he’s playing or sitting out. His selection and rest patterns have often sparked debate among fans and experts alike.

When Bumrah played the first Test against the West Indies, many questioned the timing, believing it was the ideal series for him to rest. Yet, he was later rested for the ODI series against Australia, raising even more eyebrows. Many believe this is part of India’s long-term strategy to keep Bumrah fit for the T20 World Cup at home next year.

Still, the question persists — why play him in a low-stakes Test and rest him in a marquee ODI series? Opinions remain divided.

🔹 “Had he bowled in that match, he may have never bowled again”

Siraj, however, put things into perspective. Speaking at The Indian Express’ Idea Exchange, he revealed just how serious Bumrah’s back injury was.

“Bumrah bhai doesn’t worry about outside opinion. He had a serious back injury and a major surgery. Had he bowled in that match, one can’t say whether he would have bowled again or not — it was that serious. His injury was very sensitive, and his action puts immense strain on his back,” said Siraj.

Siraj emphasized how crucial Bumrah is to India’s plans.

“He’s the backbone of our bowling attack. His fitness is vital for tournaments like the Asia Cup, the T20 World Cup, and the next ODI World Cup. Fans should understand that he will play whenever he’s fully ready. Jassi bhai took the perfect decision.”

🔹 The England Test series: Siraj steps up in Bumrah’s absence

When Bumrah was advised not to play more than three Tests during the England tour, it opened the door for Siraj to prove himself as India’s strike bowler. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series turned into a career-defining one for him.

Siraj picked up 20 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, second only to Bumrah. In England, with Bumrah missing crucial matches, Siraj stepped up brilliantly — claiming a six-wicket haul at Birmingham and another five-for in London, helping India seal a thrilling 7-run win.

“When I landed in England, my goal was clear — to become the highest wicket-taker. My rhythm was good right from the practice games. When I learned Jassi bhai wouldn’t play all the Tests, I knew I had to deliver as the senior pacer. I wanted to give my 100 percent every single match,” Siraj recalled.

🔹 Bumrah’s resilience and focus

Despite criticism and constant scrutiny, Bumrah remains unfazed. Those close to him, like Siraj, often speak about his discipline, mental strength, and clarity of thought. He focuses purely on what’s best for his body and team, ignoring the outside noise.

His ability to bounce back after major injuries — and still perform at world-class levels — is a testament to his dedication. For the team, keeping him healthy for major tournaments remains the top priority, even if that means skipping a few matches in between.

🔹 A message to fans

Siraj’s message was clear — patience is key.
“Bumrah has given so much to Indian cricket. If he’s resting, it’s for the greater good. We all want him firing on all cylinders when it really matters,” Siraj added.