New Delhi: Team India has shut down the growing debate over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management, particularly the comparisons made with England skipper Ben Stokes, following India’s 22-run loss in the third Test at Lord’s.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan had raised questions over India’s handling of Bumrah, suggesting the pacer wasn’t utilised effectively during the second innings when the game was on the line. Pathan pointed to Stokes’ heroic 9.2-over spell on Day 5—during which he picked up the key wicket of KL Rahul—arguing that India should have relied more on their premier pacer in crucial moments.
“Ben Stokes bowled a marathon spell, giving it his all for his team. Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, bowled just five overs before being taken off during a crucial phase. That was the moment India needed to take control, and it’s disappointing we didn’t fully use our top bowler,” Pathan said in a video post.
He also brushed aside workload concerns, noting that Bumrah had been rested for the second Test at Edgbaston and should have been fresh for Lord’s.
Responding to the criticism, India’s fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate dismissed any direct comparison with Stokes, emphasizing that India employs a different strategy based on their bowlers’ individual strengths.
“Ben was phenomenal—bowling with intensity on Day 5 and contributing across departments. But we’re not comparing our bowlers with others,” ten Doeschate said. “Jasprit thrives in short, sharp spells, and that has worked well for us. Every bowler is different.”
He further elaborated that while some bowlers, like Mohammed Siraj, grow into longer spells and peak around the 7th or 8th over, others like Bumrah are most effective in quick bursts. “We plan accordingly, not all bowlers operate the same way,” he added.
Despite Bumrah’s limited spell, India managed to put England under pressure during parts of the second innings, but ultimately fell short while chasing a modest target of 193. With the series now standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, the Indian team faces a must-win situation in the upcoming fourth Test at Manchester, beginning July 23.
As the debate continues over the optimal usage of India’s pace spearhead, the team’s management appears confident in its strategy—insisting that Bumrah’s unique bowling style is best deployed in shorter, high-impact spells, rather than long stints, no matter the comparisons.
