August 12, 2025

MUMBAI: The cricketing world buzzed as Dilip Vengsarkar spoke out on Jasprit Bumrah's workload management drama! The legendary former India captain believes Bumrah should have given IPL 2025 a miss to stay fresh for the thrilling India vs England five-Test series this summer, which ended in a nail-biting 2-2 draw. Vengsarkar did not hold back, saying, “Considering the importance of the India versus England Tests series and his fragile back, Bumrah should have been told by the BCCI, selectors and the Indian team management to miss IPL-2025.” He added that if he were the India chief selector, he would have convinced Mumbai Indians’ owner Mukesh Ambani and Bumrah himself to let the star pacer rest or play fewer IPL matches. Vengsarkar is sure both would have agreed. He reminded everyone what truly stays in fans’ memories, “Who remembers the runs and wickets taken in the IPL? However, people will remember Mohammed Siraj's lion-hearted performance (23 wickets in five Tests), Shubman Gill's 754 runs, KL Rahul’s 532, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 411, Rishabh Pant’s smooth batting, and Washington Sundar’s superb all-round show.” Vengsarkar called it “a series for the ages” and voiced his wish, “I wish Bumrah was available for almost all the Tests. We could have won the series if that was the case.” Bumrah bounced back from a back injury to play 12 IPL matches in 2025, taking 18 wickets, but only played three Tests in the England series, taking 14 wickets at an average of 26.00. Critics slammed him for missing the crucial third and fifth Tests due to workload management. But Vengsarkar defended him fiercely: “You can’t blame Bumrah for missing matches at times. He has undergone back surgery; his back is vulnerable, and we must be cautious. You can’t question his commitment for the country.” On another hot topic, Vengsarkar wished former captain Virat Kohli was asked to play the England Tests before quitting. “We needed his class and experience in this series,” said the selector-turned-mentor. The former star also jumped into the controversy between India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis ahead of the fifth Test. Vengsarkar backed Gambhir saying the coach had every right to inspect the pitch closely. He questioned former Aussie star Matthew Hayden’s comment that Gambhir “could have used better language.” He argued, “If Australian players were treated similarly, they’d respond strongly.” Vengsarkar showered praise on the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for delivering a spectacular Test series with packed crowds and thrilling finishes. “This series revived the interest in Test cricket. It shows if you prepare good pitches, Test cricket can thrive!” Finally, a strong message for the BCCI: “I hope India follow ECB’s example and provide sporting wickets in the 2025-26 season. Don’t let short-term thinking spoil Test cricket’s charm!” From workload woes to pitch debates, Vengsarkar’s words hit hard. One thing’s clear – the love for Test cricket is alive and kicking!

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Tags: Jasprit bumrah, Dilip vengsarkar, India vs england test, Ipl 2025, Workload management, Test cricket,