Manchester: Former India captain and batting stalwart Dilip Vengsarkar has launched a scathing attack on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, criticising the star bowler for “picking and choosing” when to play Test cricket.
Test cricket is the ultimate format. It is more important than any other version of the game. When the team needs him, Bumrah has to be available. You can’t let your lead bowler decide which Tests he feels like playing.
The comments come amid growing scrutiny over Bumrah’s workload management. The fast bowler opted to play only three Tests in the five-match England series, citing workload concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup. Critics have pointed out that this is not the first time Bumrah has sat out marquee red-ball fixtures, with past tours to South Africa and Bangladesh also marked by selective appearances.
“It sends the wrong message,” Vengsarkar added. “If you are fit, you play. India needs their best bowlers in the toughest conditions.”
Arshdeep and Kuldeep Backed as Potential Match-Winners
Looking ahead to the decisive Old Trafford Test, Vengsarkar called for bold changes to the bowling attack, insisting that Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav could make the difference.
“Bring in Arshdeep and Kuldeep. Both are match-winners and can exploit the conditions in Manchester. We’ve seen how left-arm seam and wrist spin have troubled England before,” he said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Urged to Temper Aggression
Turning to India’s batting, Vengsarkar cautioned young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to rein in his shot selection.
Yashasvi has tremendous talent, but he has to bring discipline to his game in the longer format. Loose strokes at the top cost the entire batting line-up. As an opener, you have to set the tone.
Jaiswal has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been dismissed playing expansive drives early in his innings—a tendency that has attracted criticism from several former players.
Karun Nair’s Return: Encouraging Yet Underwhelming
Vengsarkar also weighed in on Karun Nair’s much-anticipated comeback after nearly seven years out of the Test side.
Karun definitely deserves another chance. He has looked composed and played a few attractive shots. Unfortunately, he hasn’t converted those starts into a big knock.
After a historic triple century in 2016, Nair has struggled to cement his place, and his return this series has yielded modest returns, a forgettable 131 runs from six innings at an average of just 22. Observers have questioned whether he can rediscover the form that once made him India’s brightest batting prospect.
Praise for Shubman Gill’s Leadership
On a more optimistic note, Vengsarkar endorsed Shubman Gill’s steady growth as stand-in captain.
“Shubman is improving with each game,” he said. “He has a long way to go as a leader, but it’s encouraging to see him handle pressure. I wish he continues this progress.”
