IND vs ENG: Sunil Gavaskar Questions Jasprit Bumrah’s Rest, Cites Kapil Dev’s Workload as Benchmark

The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah during India’s Test series against England has ignited an intense debate among cricket legends and analysts. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has now voiced his concerns, questioning the timing and necessity of resting India’s pace spearhead, especially at a crucial juncture of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Gavaskar also cited the example of legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev to emphasise how relentless bowling workloads were managed in the past without compromising match participation.

Gavaskar’s direct criticism

Speaking during his analysis of the India vs England Test series, Gavaskar asked, “How did they play earlier? Kapil Dev played 131 Tests without taking rest. Why this constant rotation when bowlers are in rhythm? If someone is unfit, that is understandable. But if a bowler is fit and in form, then resting him disrupts his rhythm.”

Gavaskar’s pointed remarks reflect a larger sentiment among former players that modern cricket’s workload management strategies may be overprotective at times, especially when fitness benchmarks and recovery protocols are scientifically monitored today.

Jasprit Bumrah’s current workload and rest

Jasprit Bumrah, who returned to full fitness after back surgery last year, has been India’s leading bowler across formats. In the ongoing WTC cycle, his reverse swing and searing yorkers have troubled England batters consistently. However, team management opted to rest him for the third Test, citing workload management and the upcoming packed schedule including five Tests against Australia later in the year.

Kapil Dev vs Modern Workload Management

Kapil Dev’s durability remains legendary. Between 1978 and 1994, he played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs without ever missing a match due to workload management, though fitness or minor injury concerns did affect him occasionally. Gavaskar’s argument revolves around this very comparison, implying that excessive rest might hinder a bowler’s momentum.

Comparative Table: Kapil Dev vs Jasprit Bumrah Test workload

This comparison table illustrates that while average overs per match are similar, the era, injury management protocols, and bowling speeds remain different variables that modern coaching staff consider before decisions.

What other legends say

Former captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar, reacting to Gavaskar’s remarks, said, “Bumrah’s action is unique and the pace he generates is extraordinary. Workload management is important but yes, consistent bowling creates match fitness that no gym session can replicate.”

Kapil Dev himself had earlier suggested that while resting bowlers for T20s or ODIs is reasonable, Tests require a bowler to bowl long spells and rhythm gets affected with long rests.

Team India’s bowling rotation strategy

India’s fast bowling rotation policy has been in place since 2019 under then bowling coach Bharat Arun, who advocated equal distribution of workload across Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bumrah, and Umesh Yadav. With Shami recovering from ankle surgery, Bumrah’s rest means increased responsibilities on Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar.

Series performance summary

Bumrah’s pivotal role in India’s two wins highlights Gavaskar’s concern that resting a key bowler mid-series could backfire if replacements fail to maintain pressure.

England series context and WTC points

India currently sits second on the WTC table, and every Test win is critical to reach the final. England’s aggressive Bazball approach has tested India’s bowling depth, making Bumrah’s absence even more pronounced during phases where reverse swing is decisive.

WTC Points Table Snapshot (As on July 5, 2025)

Every Test result now impacts the qualification race, making Gavaskar’s concerns about rotation poignant.

Future challenges for Bumrah

Bumrah is slated to lead the attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, followed by the Champions Trophy. India’s workload management committee, comprising selectors, team management, and NCA physios, aims to ensure Bumrah remains injury-free for these marquee tournaments.

However, Gavaskar’s criticism is not entirely dismissive. He concluded by saying, “If a bowler has niggles or is fatigued, rest is needed. But if not, then Tests are where he should bowl the most, for team and for his own bowling rhythm.”

Fan reactions on social media

Fans have been divided over Bumrah’s rest. While some argue he deserves protection given his injury-prone history, others echo Gavaskar’s sentiments, believing that Test matches define a bowler’s legacy and continuity is paramount.

Trending hashtags on Bumrah’s rest

The debate has also brought back memories of Kapil Dev’s 131-Test streak, raising questions about changing fitness philosophies in Indian cricket.

Final analysis

Sunil Gavaskar’s critique has sparked an essential conversation about how India manages its premier bowlers amid a packed international calendar. While modern sports science advocates rest to prolong careers, cricket purists argue that Tests require unwavering presence from the lead bowlers to build consistency and psychological dominance.

Bumrah’s return for the Dharamsala Test will be closely watched, not only for his bowling impact but also as a response to Gavaskar’s poignant question – “How did they play earlier? Kapil Dev played all Tests. Why can’t today’s bowlers?”