India’s narrow 22-run loss to England in the third Test at Lord’s has stirred debate, and former Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan isn’t holding back. In a strong statement, Pathan criticized India’s handling of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, calling the team’s workload management strategy “disappointing” — especially in a must-win game.
Pathan Questions India’s Conservative Approach with Bumrah
India began Day 5 needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand while chasing 193. But England, led by captain Ben Stokes and comeback pacer Jofra Archer, had other plans. The duo bowled relentless spells in the morning, dismantling the Indian middle order and securing a thrilling win.
Irfan Pathan pointed out how both English bowlers put their bodies on the line. Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2-over spell in the morning session and finished with 24 overs in the innings — the most by any bowler in the fourth innings. Archer, returning to Test cricket after nearly four years, bowled 16 overs and picked up three crucial wickets.
Praising their effort, Pathan said on his YouTube channel (as reported by News18), “Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2-over spell in the morning on Day 5. What a player he is. He bowls, bats, and even executed the crucial run out of Rishabh Pant — yet there’s no talk of workload management.”
Bumrah’s Usage Raises Eyebrows Despite Strong Performance
Despite Bumrah bowling 43 overs and taking seven wickets in the match — the most by any Indian bowler — Pathan believes he was held back during crucial moments. He cited the second innings when Bumrah bowled just five overs early on and wasn’t brought back until England’s Joe Root came out to bat.
“But with India, it’s different. Bumrah bowls five overs and then waits for Joe Root to come out when you need to control the game,” Pathan added. “His workload was ‘managed’ despite not having played at Edgbaston. When you’re playing a match, there is no workload — you have to win at all costs.”
India notably won the Edgbaston Test — which Bumrah missed — by a record 336 runs. However, in the two Tests that Bumrah played, India ended up on the losing side. With the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting on July 23, there is now speculation that Bumrah might be rested again, raising further questions about the team’s approach to managing key players.
Pathan concluded with a telling remark: “Archer was playing a Test after four years, yet he didn’t stop. He bowled a six-over spell in the morning and came back for more. Ben Stokes didn’t think about workload at all. If he can bowl nine overs, hum toh peeche rah gaye (our pacers were left behind).”
India’s strategy in the remaining Tests may well be shaped by these concerns, as they look to bounce back in the series.
