'It’s Not His Mistake': Former player defends Jasprit Bumrah amid criticism after Oval Test absence
Veteran cricketer defends Jasprit Bumrah, slams critics for questioning his absence in the Oval Test, says India often wins because of him, and workload management is not a weakness.
Jasprit Bumrah (Image Credit: BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 06.44 PM, Aug 07, 2025
Veteran Indian cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik has strongly defended Jasprit Bumrah following a wave of criticism that emerged after India’s victory in the fifth Test against England at The Oval. Bumrah, who was rested for the final match of the series, found himself at the centre of a narrative suggesting that India performs better in his absence.
Karthik, speaking on Cricbuzz, dismissed these claims as unfair and misinformed. "Now this stat of when he doesn’t play, India does not win. It’s not his mistake. He is so impactful that otherd pale in comparison at times which is understandable. He is a world champion. When he finishes cricket, he will be spoken in the same parlance as a Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Dale Steyn," he said.
India managed to level the five-match Test series 2-2 with a spirited performance at The Oval. The bowling unit, without Bumrah, stepped up impressively. However, Karthik stressed that the success of the unit in one match should not diminish Bumrah’s overall contributions.
"I hope he will have a longer career knowing that I can pick and choose matches when I feel I am ready because there is no more pressure that I am the only one and at every match, I9 have to play. And at times, it’s unfair. It’s a body, he knows what he has gone through. 2 back injuries, one nasty ACL he had in 2014. It’s not easy and sometimes I feel we have to cut him some slack as well," Karthik added.
Bumrah, currently ranked as the number one Test bowler in the ICC rankings, played a pivotal role in India’s performances earlier in the series. He picked up two five-wicket hauls and consistently provided early and late breakthroughs. His absence in the final Test was attributed to workload management, considering his recent history with back injuries and the high volume of cricket.
Karthik also pointed out the need for fans and experts to understand the physical toll fast bowling takes. "If you are bowling with a bad, old ball which is 25 overs old in a ODI and want a wicket, go to Jasprit Bumrah. That is the name he has earned and he rightly deserves to be called that," he explained.
Echoing similar sentiments, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also stated that India’s wins without Bumrah were coincidental and that his contributions in earlier Tests were crucial to keeping the series alive.
As India now looks ahead to its next assignments in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Bumrah’s form and fitness will remain critical. While one win in his absence may have sparked debate, his overall record and match-winning ability continue to underline his indispensable value to Indian cricket.