ENG vs IND 2025: Irfan Pathan questions limited use of Bumrah in Lord’s Test, praises Stokes-Archer

Following India's heartbreaking 22-run defeat in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord's, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has delivered a scathing critique of the team's bowling management while simultaneously praising the dedication and fitness of England's key players. His comments, made on his YouTube channel, highlight a stark contrast between the approach of English cricketers and the cautious workload management philosophy that has become synonymous with modern Indian cricket.

Pathan's most pointed criticism centered around the limited utilization of Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, during crucial phases of the match. The former left-arm seamer expressed his frustration at what he perceived as overly conservative bowling changes, particularly when England's batting lineup was under pressure. "Bumrah bowls five overs, and then waits for Joe Root to come to bat, whereas you have to control the match," Pathan observed, highlighting the tactical miscalculation that may have cost India the match. His argument suggests that India's approach was too methodical and failed to capitalize on moments when aggressive bowling could have swung the momentum decisively in their favor.

The contrast with England's approach was stark and provided the foundation for Pathan's broader critique of Indian cricket's mentality. Ben Stokes, the English captain, exemplified the kind of commitment and sacrifice that Pathan believes should be the standard in Test cricket. Despite having undergone multiple surgeries the previous year, Stokes bowled a marathon spell of 9.2 overs on the crucial fifth day morning, demonstrating the kind of leadership that transcends physical limitations. "He bats, bowls and also makes an important run out of Rishabh Pant. But, there is no talk about his workload. But this is not the case in India," Pathan noted, drawing attention to the different philosophical approaches between the two cricketing cultures.

Pathan's analysis of Stokes' bowling style was particularly insightful, praising the captain's 'hit-the-deck' approach that proved highly effective in the challenging Lord's conditions. This bowling methodology, characterized by its relentless accuracy and ability to extract maximum bounce from the surface, contributed significantly to England's victory. The former Indian cricketer recognized that Stokes' willingness to bowl long spells in difficult conditions, despite his recent injury history, represented the kind of selfless commitment that can define Test match outcomes.

The return of Jofra Archer to Test cricket after a four-year absence provided another example of the dedication that Pathan believes Indian cricketers should emulate. Archer's performance was remarkable not just for his pace and skill, but for his endurance and willingness to bowl extended spells. "Jofra Archer was playing a Test match after almost four years, but he did not stop. He bowled six overs in the morning and then came back and bowled," Pathan observed, emphasizing how Archer's commitment never wavered despite the physical demands of returning to the longest format after such an extended absence.

The workload management debate that Pathan raised touches on a fundamental philosophical divide in modern cricket. While the Indian team management's decision to rest Bumrah for the Edgbaston Test was justified as necessary workload management following the Leeds Test, Pathan questioned whether such caution was appropriate during match situations. "His workload was managed because he did not play the Edgbaston Test. But when you are on the field, there is no talk of workload, you have to win the match at any cost," he argued, suggesting that the pursuit of victory should sometimes override fitness concerns.

Pathan's commentary ultimately reflects a broader concern about the mindset and approach of contemporary Indian cricket. His praise for Stokes and Archer was not merely about their individual performances, but about their embodiment of a winning mentality that prioritizes match situations over personal comfort. "Stokes did not think about the workload, if he can bowl nine overs, then why should we stay behind," Pathan concluded, issuing a challenge to Indian cricketers to match the dedication and sacrifice displayed by their English counterparts. This analysis suggests that India's defeat at Lord's was not just about tactical errors, but about a fundamental difference in approach and commitment that may need addressing for future success in challenging overseas conditions.