Harbhajan Singh Comments on Bumrah’s Workload Ahead of England-India Test Match

India faces a must-win situation in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. The spotlight is firmly on star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as debates surrounding player workload management resurface. With several key players injured and India’s options becoming limited, questions are being raised about whether Bumrah should be rested or play in this high-stakes match. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recently weighed in on the matter, offering strong views on how workload management should be handled and emphasizing Bumrah's importance to the team.

Before the England series began, the Indian team management had decided that Bumrah would play only three out of the five Tests. This was part of a larger plan to manage his fitness, especially after his intense workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he bowled long and punishing spells and sustained a back injury. So far, Bumrah has played in two Tests against England and may feature in just one of the remaining two, depending on his physical condition. But with limited bowling resources due to injuries to players like Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and even wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, the team might be forced to bring back Bumrah for the crucial fourth Test.

Harbhajan Singh, speaking at the WCL 2025 event, questioned the overuse of the term “workload management” in modern cricket. He recalled how players in the past managed to play multiple long-format matches without much discussion around workload. “Workload management is a new thing. After the IPL started, everyone started focusing on the fact that players only bowl 24 balls in a match and trained based on that. But earlier, the term simply meant staying fit and playing through the season. Still, if a player is at risk of serious injury, he must be managed smartly,” said Harbhajan.

The former spinner praised Bumrah for his dedication and honesty, calling him “the most honest cricketer today.” Harbhajan noted that Bumrah never holds back on effort unless he's genuinely injured. He remembered how Bumrah bowled tirelessly during India’s tour of Australia and eventually suffered a serious back issue. “Bumrah gives everything for the team. His action is unique—he runs from a short distance but generates a lot of pace, which adds more pressure on his body. If he’s fit, let him play all five Tests. I believe India would win the series if he plays all matches. Ask any batter — no one likes facing Bumrah,” Harbhajan added.

Apart from Bumrah, Harbhajan also spoke about other selection concerns. He strongly recommended including wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the Manchester Test. England’s aggressive "Bazball" approach could be neutralized by Kuldeep’s variety and spin. Harbhajan said Kuldeep could be India’s “mystery bowler” and that the team should consider dropping a batter to make room for him.

Harbhajan also voiced disappointment over the team management’s decision to drop young batter Sai Sudharsan after just one match. He argued that Sudharsan was chosen to bat at number three ahead of the more experienced Karun Nair, so he should have been given at least two or three matches to prove himself. “He’s a phenomenal talent and needs backing. You picked him over Karun, and then dropped him after one game. Now it feels like you’re planning to drop Karun too. These constant changes disturb the team’s rhythm and flow,” Harbhajan concluded.

With the series on the line, India faces not only England but also crucial selection decisions and workload dilemmas that could define the outcome.