Ashwin advises Bumrah to limit Test appearances to manage workload

Ashwin on Jasprit Bumrah's Test Workload

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered candid advice to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting that he avoid joining the Test squad unless absolutely required. The remark has revived the ongoing debate about player workload management among India's top cricketers.

Ashwin emphasized that Bumrah should prioritize white-ball formats to stay fresh and effective throughout the season. He stated:

"Don’t step into the Test side unless and until we need you."

According to Ashwin, the physical toll of multi-format cricket can be substantial, especially for fast bowlers like Bumrah, whose roles in all three formats demand consistent high-intensity performance. His comments echo growing concerns about player fatigue and long-term injury risks arising from dense international schedules.

Managing Player Workload

Bumrah recently led India's pace attack across formats, balancing Tests, ODIs, and T20Is in a packed calendar. Experts point out that strategic rest can extend careers and maintain performance levels, a view gaining traction among coaches and selectors.

Ashwin’s statement reignites a familiar discussion: how India can balance competitiveness in all formats while safeguarding the well-being of its key players.

“For someone like Bumrah, preservation is as important as performance,” cricket analysts observed following Ashwin’s remarks.

Author’s Summary: Ravichandran Ashwin urged Jasprit Bumrah to save his Test appearances for critical moments, reigniting debate on managing cricketers’ workloads and career longevity.

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Hindustan Times Hindustan Times — 2025-11-28

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