Former India opener
Aakash Chopra didn’t mince his words while addressing those criticising
Jasprit Bumrah for playing only three Tests in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Bumrah featured in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, followed by the third and fourth games at Lord’s and Old Trafford, Manchester, respectively.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In three matches, Bumrah picked up 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, bowling 119.4 overs at an average of 26. He wasn’t included in the playing XI for the fifth Test at The Oval and was subsequently released from the squad ahead of day two’s play.
“There was talk about how India couldn’t find a better captain than Jasprit Bumrah,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“People were questioning why bowlers can’t lead, especially since he was vice-captain under Rohit Sharma and had successfully captained the team in Perth.
“It started with praise, but now it’s turned into trolling, with people saying the team loses when he plays and that he doesn’t take full responsibility.
“From being ‘Boom Boom Bumrah,’ our fans have now become ‘gumrah.’ I’m surprised and saddened by this,” Chopra added.
Chopra urged Indian fans to put some respect on Bumrah’s name.
“We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation talent, someone who is far superior to the rest. Currently, he is the top bowler in the world across all formats.
"If Bumrah plays just three matches, so be it. If managing his workload means he can continue playing in key matches without breaking down, I’d do whatever is necessary to make that happen.”
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