Workload management has become one of the most debated topics in Indian cricket. With the number of games increasing across three formats, players, especially fast bowlers, are under constant pressure to balance longevity along with performance. Notably, India's ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has often been criticised for the same.

After missing two crucial Test matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to his recurring back issues, Bumrah has returned for the Asia Cup 2025, where India finds itself grouped alongside relatively inexperienced teams such as the UAE and Hong Kong. This decision has triggered discussion about whether India’s star pacer should be resting during marquee Test matches and featuring against comparatively smaller teams.

Bumrah picking and choosing games
Bumrah, after playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, was placed on a recovery program to safeguard his back. He missed a few matches for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 before returning in the second half. Before the series against England, head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that the right-armer would only play three of the five Tests. Sticking to the plan, he turned up in three games and bagged 14 wickets, including two five-fors. Yet, despite his efforts, India did not win a single match he played. Ironically, the two victories came in his absence.

The decision to rest him in the Birmingham and Oval Tests, both must-win games, drew criticism. With the series tied at 2-2, many fans and ex-cricketers felt India had lacked its best bowler in matches where he was most needed. Many accused Bumrah and the management of picking and choosing Tests. Bumrah picking and choosing games
Bumrah, after playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, was placed on a recovery program to safeguard his back. He missed a few matches for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 before returning in the second half. Before the series against England, head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that the right-armer would only play three of the five Tests. Sticking to the plan, he turned up in three games and bagged 14 wickets, including two five-fors. Yet, despite his efforts, India did not win a single match he played. Ironically, the two victories came in his absence.

The decision to rest him in the Birmingham and Oval Tests, both must-win games, drew criticism. With the series tied at 2-2, many fans and ex-cricketers felt India had lacked its best bowler in matches where he was most needed. Many accused Bumrah and the management of picking and choosing Tests.

However, two months later, the 31-year-old has been slotted straight into India’s XI for the Asia Cup 2025. India’s group includes the UAE and Hong Kong, relatively inexperienced teams. Fans and former cricketers questioned if Bumrah had to be benched until the big games and why he was rested from Test matches and then brought back to play relatively lighter fixtures. Former India batter Ajay Jadeja also shared the same.

Ex-cricketers share contrasting opinions.s
Meanwhile, former World Cup winner Balvinder Singh Sandhu defended the pacer, stressing that Bumrah’s body is unlike other pacers and needs careful monitoring. Injuries have already curtailed the majority of his career. Protecting him for ICC tournaments like the T20 World Cup makes long-term sense. Even Sachin Tendulkar quashed suggestions that India does better without him, calling it a pure coincidence.

On the other hand, Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar stated that representing India is a full-time responsibility. If a player is fit, he should not sit out crucial Tests only to reappear in less demanding contests. Notably, Mohammed Siraj bowled across all five England Tests, clocking over 185 overs, and many felt Bumrah should have shouldered a similar workload.

The Asia Cup has always been a prestigious event, but its competitiveness has often been questioned. While matches against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are important, games against the UAE or Hong Kong are not considered on par. In this context, Bumrah’s availability against weaker opponents grabs eyeballs. With youngsters like Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana sitting out, India went for their veteran pacer.