Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a striking perspective on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, suggesting a more selective approach to Test cricket for the star pacer. With Bumrah often at the centre of discussions about overuse, especially after featuring in only three of the five Tests in England and two more against South Africa, Ashwin believes India must preserve their premier fast bowler strategically. He advised that Bumrah should mainly prioritise white-ball formats and play the longest format only when essential.
Speaking on the subject, Ashwin shared his personal take, “I’ve got a great relationship with him. If I were anywhere near him, I’d go and tell him, you know what, just play the white ball format. Unless and until we need you, do not step into the Test side.” Ashwin further added that while Bumrah is deeply passionate about Test cricket, India needs to manage him wisely for long-term success, especially with global tournaments and key overseas Test tours ahead.
Focus On Crucial Tests, Skip “Meaningless” ODIs
Ashwin went on to highlight that Bumrah’s commitment to Test cricket is unquestionable, but the team must prioritise. According to him, India should deploy Bumrah only when the conditions and opposition demand the presence of a world-class strike bowler. He stressed, “But I know him personally. He loves the Test format. He wants to play as long as he can. He knows it’s going to be a challenge.” Ashwin added that, in his view, Bumrah should avoid unnecessary bilateral ODIs, remain available for T20Is, and feature in Tests only when the stakes are high.
As he explained, “But I think for Indian cricket’s sake and for Bumrah’s sake, I’d love to see him play T20 cricket. I wouldn’t want him to play meaningless ODIs. I would want him to play meaningful Test matches, if that makes sense. I’d only want him for the away Test matches. And I would want to build a crop of other fast bowlers when we are playing at home as well.” This, Ashwin believes, would not only prolong Bumrah’s career but also cultivate depth in India’s pace unit for home conditions.
AB de Villiers Backs Limiting Bumrah To SENA Tests
AB de Villiers supported Ashwin’s viewpoint and took it a step further, calling for Bumrah to skip all subcontinent Tests altogether. He emphasised keeping the pacer fresh for challenging SENA tours—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—where world-class fast bowling has maximum impact.
De Villiers put it clearly, “What I would personally do is, for all home and subcontinent test matches, I would just pull him out. And I would play him for only away games. In Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and England. All the test matches are there. Make sure he’s fresh for that. And then obviously focus on white ball cricket, where there are World Cups up for grabs.” Both legends agree that Bumrah’s longevity lies in selective usage centred around marquee events and tough overseas tours.
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