Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload after he was injured during the recent Test series in Australia. Gavaskar urged the Indian selectors to take immediate measures to protect India’s generational star Bumrah from being overworked.
The legendary batsman urged the Indian selectors to use the wealth of Indian talent to nurture the depth of the Indian bowling to ensure long-term success. However, it is up to the selectors to recognize and nurture that talent by giving them chances at the highest level.
Sunil Gavaskar calls for action to protect Jasprit Bumrah and nurture Indian pacers
Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the wealth of promising pacers in the domestic circuit, arguing that India possess the talent to form a powerful attack capable of dominating in all conditions. He urged the selectors to step up and give these rising players a chance at the highest level.
The legendary batsman claimed that without testing rising players on the international stage, they can never see their true potential as Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the second innings played a major role in India’s six-wicket defeat in the final Test against Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah should not be overburdened: Sunil Gavaskar
PTI quoted Sunil Gavaskar as saying, “India has a bunch of promising pacers waiting for an opportunity. Yes, Bumrah should not be overburdened, and if the others step up, then we can have an attack that can win games in all conditions. Unless they are given a chance, how will we know if those who do well in the Ranji Trophy will do well at the international level? This is where good choice comes in.”
However, the former India captain praised the Indian selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, for identifying rising stars like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had a brilliant Test debut series in Australia. Gavaskar further noted, “Kudos to Ajit Agarkar and his team for seeing the potential in Nitish Kumar Reddy and selecting him for the Test team as well.”
Meanwhile, Indian cricket often finds itself in the limelight for the rise of its stars to celebrity status, but Sunil Gavaskar tackled the issue with a thought-provoking perspective. The legendary cricketer emphasized the importance of honest self-assessment to maintain humility and focus amidst the glitz and glamor of fame.
Sunil Gavaskar highlights the need for humility and self-assessment in Indian cricket
The former Indian captain and renowned commentator likened personal development to a journey of self-reflection, where players have to take a hard look at their performances and identify areas for improvement. He believes that players can stay grounded and continue to strive for excellence, both on and off the field, by consistently evaluating themselves without prejudice.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “We see our faces in the mirror every day and because we do it to ourselves, we don’t notice the changes that have happened over the years. We only notice changes when we see photos or videos from earlier days. Then we try to make the changes necessary to look our best. However, in order to do that, we have to take a long, honest look at ourselves again.”
