Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has criticized Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management after the five-match Test series against England. Bumrah played three out of the five Test matches against England, as it was already decided before the series.

The gun fast bowler scalped 14 wickets in three games he played at an average of 26. However, Bumrah has been under the scanner for missing crucial games for the country.

Azharuddin said a player can’t pick and choose matches to manage workload.

The former Indian skipper said in an interview with Mid-Day, “If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player has to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches. There is workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country.”

“It was a different story that Siraj along with Prasidh [Krishna] and Akash Deep rose to the occasion and we were fortunate that we could win without Bumrah, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?”

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj scalped 23 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 32.43. Siraj bagged nine wickets in the final Test match at the Kennington Oval and played a key role in India’s win. Azharuddin showered praise on Siraj for performing consistently in the series.

“Siraj was outstanding. Thanks to nalli gosht biryani and paya [which are his favourite food] he has developed a strong body, particularly his legs. He showed a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Throughout the series he had the hunger to excel and deliver for India,” said Azharuddin (via the aforementioned source).

“That spell at the Oval was incredible. He took on the responsibility admirably in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He came hard at the England batters and bowled with a lot of intensity. He is clearly the new super star of Indian sport.”

Siraj and Bumrah will miss the upcoming Duleep Trophy.