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Team India assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, strongly defended premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah after criticism emerged over the fast bowler being rested for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval.
Despite ideal bowling conditions—overcast skies and a lively pitch—Bumrah was left out after completing his planned participation in three Tests on the tour.
Critics questioned the decision, suggesting that Bumrah should have been fielded in what appeared to be the most seam-friendly conditions of the series. Addressing the media at the end of Day 1, Ten Doeschate dismissed the notion that Bumrah was selectively choosing his appearances.
“He made it clear before the tour that he’d be available for three matches, and the decision on which games he’d play was left to us,” Ten Doeschate explained. “It’s not simply a case of him picking and choosing. We’ve tried to handle the situation thoughtfully. It’s not perfect, but it’s a multifaceted issue. Of course, we’d love to have him play more, but we also have to be mindful of his physical condition.”
Ten Doeschate highlighted the importance of workload management, pointing out that although Bumrah appeared in only three Tests and bowled in a single innings at Manchester, the total number of overs he delivered was significant.
“He’s bowled more than it might appear at first glance. Given the strain on his body and his prior commitment to play just three Tests, we felt this was the most sensible decision," said Doeschate.
