Sanjay Manjrekar on India’s Test wins without Bumrah: “A great lesson”

The recently concluded India-England Test series in England has sparked lively debate—not just for the thrilling 2-2 result but also for what it revealed about the role of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Having played only three of the five Tests due to workload and fitness management following injury concerns, Bumrah found himself at the centre of critiques from fans and experts alike. Intriguingly, India’s two victories in the series coincided with the matches Bumrah missed, a fact former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has highlighted as a hard lesson for selectors and fans.

Bumrah’s workload and anxiety over fitness

Since suffering an injury during the India-Australia 2024-25 Test series that sidelined him for over three months, India’s team management has been cautious about Bumrah’s workload to protect his long-term fitness. Accordingly, Bumrah played just the first, third, and fourth Tests versus England but sat out the second and fifth Tests. This selective availability attracted criticism, with some questioning whether Bumrah could "pick and choose" matches, a luxury thought incompatible with frontline international cricketers.

Manjrekar’s blunt assessment

Writing in Hindustan Times, Manjrekar was forthright: the series served as “a great lesson” about the danger of over-relying on star players who cannot consistently contribute. He observed the poetic justice of India’s wins arriving precisely in the two games where Bumrah was absent. Moreover, these matches also lacked other stalwarts such as Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, underscoring the eternal sporting truth: no player is indispensable.

Manjrekar’s plea to selectors was clear—if Bumrah cannot manage more than one or two consecutive matches, he should not be treated as the team’s frontline pace spearhead. The team needs flexibility and readiness to field effective replacements when top players are unavailable.

The bigger picture for India

India’s remarkable performance in matches without several marquee names signals their growing bench strength and adaptability. It also amplifies the need for workload management plans that balance player longevity with the team’s aim to field its strongest XI consistently. Bumrah’s situation highlights the complex challenges of managing elite fast bowlers in today’s relentless cricket calendar.

India’s 2-2 draw in England showed resilience and depth, qualities vital as they prepare for upcoming tours and ICC tournaments. While Bumrah remains a pivotal figure, Manjrekar’s column urges Indian cricket to evolve beyond dependence on any one player to sustain success.

What fans and cricketing circles take away

• Cricket, like life, demands adaptability and collective effort; reliance on superstars carries risks if they are often unavailable.

• Player fitness management is critical but should align with transparent, merit-based selection policies.

• The series encourages confidence in India’s emerging talent pool ready to step up in big moments.

As India resets post-series, the Bumrah debate remains emblematic of modern cricket’s balancing act: preserving great careers while winning in an unforgiving calendar. Manjrekar’s words challenge selectors and fans alike to embrace that reality head-on.