Bumrah has come under the scanner for his workload management in the ongoing England tour.
Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma has come to the defence of under-fire Jasprit Bumrah, saying that let the Indian pace spearhead do what he feels is best for his body and the team.
Bumrah has come under the scanner for his workload management in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The Indian team management had confirmed before the England tour that star quick would only feature in three of the five Tests.
The No.1-ranked Test bowler had turned up twice already, with India losing both matches. The third appearance is currently underway in Manchester.
Ishant noted that Bumrah continues to represent the India national cricket team despite dealing with serious injuries such as multiple stress fractures.
In an interaction with CNN-News18 Cricketnext, Ishant addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Bumrah's workload. He emphasized that Bumrah has suffered from more than one stress fracture in the past, and his body requires special attention.
“I don’t know. Everybody’s talking about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. The reason I say this is – he has had a stress fracture, not just one, multiple stress fractures. So, he has a body that needs to be looked after," Ishant said.
“Everyone wants Jasprit Bumrah, but nobody thinks about wanting a Jasprit Bumrah who can stay fit for all five Tests. He is the best person to judge his own body. Let him do what he feels is best for the country – and he is doing it," he added.
“After two stress fractures, he’s still playing for India. He hasn’t said no to playing. So just back him, support him – that’s all I’ll say," he further remarked.
After playing two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, Jasprit Bumrah has 12 wickets to his name, including a couple of five-wicket hauls.
India’s tour of England features a bunch of talented youngsters. Ishan advised them to embrace the challenges and enjoy the process, stressing that loving the grind is key to long-term success.
“I don’t think we should compare anyone to anyone else. They’re just starting their careers. Let them do what they can, let them learn from their mistakes. I’d just tell them — love the grind. Because if you love the grind, you’ll do well," Ishant said.
“That’s it. Everyone should just support them and tell them to enjoy the journey," he concluded.