Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given a big statement on the workload of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah before the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Ashwin said the selectors and team management should manage his workload carefully and avoid playing him in meaningless ODI matches.
Bumrah recently played a two-match Test series against South Africa. He took eight wickets, but the host team was wiped out. The 31-year-old has been given a break for the three-match ODI series starting on November 30, but is likely to be back for the five-match T20I series starting on December 9.
Jasprit Bumrah wants to play as long as possible – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said he would advise Jasprit Bumrah to stick to white-ball cricket and avoid playing Tests unless India needs him. Ashwin said that Bumrah likes the Test format and wants to continue playing it despite the challenges. However, he said that the fast bowler should manage his workload carefully.
“I have a great relationship with him. If I was around him, I would go and tell him, you know, just play the white-ball format,” Ashwin said during a conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube.
“Don’t step into the Test team unless we need you. And that’s what I would tell him. But I know him personally. He loves the Test format. Bumrah wants to play as long as possible. He knows it will be a challenge,” he said.
I would like Jasprit Bumrah to play meaningful Test matches – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin further said that India should use Bumrah in important matches, especially T20 matches and overseas Test matches. The former spinner said that there is no need for this fast bowler to get involved in meaningless ODI matches.
“But I think for the sake of Indian cricket and for Bumrah, I would love to see him play T20 cricket. I don’t want him to play meaningless ODIs. I want him to play meaningful Test matches, if that makes any sense. I only want him for away Test matches. And I want to develop a crop of other fast bowlers when we are playing at home as well,” Ashwin added.
I will just pull him out – AB de Villiers on Jasprit Bumrah
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers agreed that Jasprit Bumrah should be handled with caution and said he would rest the fast bowler from all domestic and subcontinent Tests. De Villiers said that Bumrah should be used only in major overseas series in SENA countries.
De Villiers said, “I would personally drop him for all the domestic and subcontinental Test matches. And I would only play him for away matches. Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England.”
“All the Test matches are there. Make sure he’s fresh for that. And then obviously focus on white-ball cricket with the World Cup coming up,” he said.
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