“Workload Management Is Nonsense”: Sandeep Patil Slams Bumrah’s Selective Test Plan
Former India cricketer and ex-selector Sandeep Patil strongly criticised the concept of workload-based selection after Jasprit Bumrah was rested for two Tests during the England tour. Patil rejected the approach outright, calling it “nonsense” and invoking the playing ethic of past greats.
Patil’s Criticism Explained
Patil questioned whether modern cricket has placed too much power in the hands of physiotherapists, asking: “Is the physio more important than the captain, the head coach?” He asserted that players should either be fit or not—without extra rotations or rest-based selections.citeturn0search13
Examples from Cricketing Legends
He evoked memories of Sunil Gavaskar, who batted all five days, and Kapil Dev, who bowled persistently, regardless of conditions or fatigue. Patil recalled even playing soon after a head injury in 1981—emphasising sacrifice over excusethrowing.
Reality Behind Bumrah’s Absence
While management promoted a workload plan—resting Bumrah in two of the five Tests—reports later confirmed that his absence in the fifth Test was due to a knee injury, not strategic override.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Critic | Sandeep Patil, former BCCI selector |
| Criticism | Workload management is “nonsense”—players should play unless truly unfit |
| Legend References | Gavaskar batted 5 days, Kapil bowled often, Patil played post-head injury |
| Bumrah’s Rest Reason | Initially framed as workload; later attributed to knee injury |
FAQs
Who criticized Bumrah’s workload management and why?
Sandeep Patil labelled it “nonsense,” arguing players should either be fit or not and warned against physio-driven selection decisions.
What examples did Patil use to make his point?
He recalled cricketers like Gavaskar and Kapil Dev playing through injuries as examples of true national duty ethos.
Was Bumrah rested for workload, or did he have an injury?
While workload was stated publicly, he was ruled out of the fifth Test due to a knee injury, raising questions about consistency in messaging.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified statements and news reporting. Please verify independently before drawing conclusions.
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