• Source:JND

Jasprit Bumrah has faced a lot of criticism after he managed to play just three Tests against England during the five-match series in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to the workload issue.

Bumrah, who has been India's biggest match-winner over the last couple of years, played the first Test in Headingley and followed it with appearances in the Lord's and Manchester Tests. While he missed the all-important final match at the Oval, netizens bashed the star pacer for not being available for the team in the desperate times.

However, India ended up the final Test in a dramatic way on the thrilling final day, and the five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra reacted to the criticism that has been normalised in the past few days for the senior fast bowler. Notably, Bumrah picked up 14 wickets in three matches at an average of 26 on the back of two five-wicket hauls. He bowled a total of 119.4 overs.

"There was talk about how India couldn't find a better captain than Jasprit Bumrah," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "People were questioning why bowlers can't lead, especially since he was vice-captain under Rohit Sharma and had successfully captained the team in Perth.

"It started with praise, but now it's turned into trolling, with people saying the team loses when he plays and that he doesn't take full responsibility. From being 'Boom Boom Bumrah,' our fans have become 'gumrah.' I'm surprised and saddened by this," Chopra added.

Chopra went on to urge fans to show some respect for Bumrah.

"We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation talent, someone who is far superior to the rest. Currently, he is the top bowler in the world across all formats.

"If Bumrah plays just three matches, so be it. If managing his workload means he can continue playing in key matches without breaking down, I’d do whatever is necessary to make that happen."