Cricketer-turned-expert Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the idea of workload management, citing the example of Indian Army Jawans, who work tirelessly and selflessly to protect the nation. Recently, the Jawans' grit & courage were lauded by many for their 'Operation Sindoor'. However, in the recently concluded India vs England Test series, Jasprit Bumrah was rested, playing only three out of five Tests.
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj played all five Tests, bowling 1113 balls - the most for the bowler in the series. While Gavaskar lauded the pacer's lion-hearted efforts, he was severely disappointed with Bumrah for not playing all the Tests.
"If you are going to succumb to people talking about workload, then you'll never have your best players on the field," Gavaskar told India Today.
"You have got them to a situation where you say, 'Hello, you are playing for your country, and when you are playing for your country, you have to forget the aches and pains in your muscles. That's what happens on the border.'
Also Read: England vs India: Coach Gautam Gambhir Secures Notable 2-2 Series Draw in England - Report Card
"Do you think the jawans complain about the cold or the conditions? They are out there, ready to give their lives for the country. You must provide your best for the nation. Don't worry about minor aches and pains. What did Rishabh Pant show you? He came out to bat with a fracture. That's the kind of spirit you want to see from your team. That's what is expected. Don't hold back due to injuries.
It's an honor, given to you among 140 crore people, to represent India. You are incredibly lucky, and you should not take that lightly. And we have seen this attitude in Siraj - five Test matches, bowling non-stop," he said.
New Look India holds their nerve to end the series 2-2
With odds heavily stacked against the Shubman Gill-led side, bowlers - Siraj & Prasidh Krishna delivered terrific spells to knock the stuffing out of the hosts. India eventually won the match by six runs to end the series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj picked up a fifer and ended up taking nine wickets in the game. He was well supported by Prasidh, who ended up taking eight wickets in the game.
Also Read: England vs India: “He Just Keeps Coming and Coming”: Ben Stokes Praises Relentless Mohammed Siraj
Nobody gave this inexperienced side under Gill the chance to achieve this feat. However, right through five Tests, the visitors fought till the very end & were finally rewarded for their hard work & perseverance.
