Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has offered a typically calm yet light-hearted response to a playful suggestion made by Sunil Gavaskar and Cheteshwar Pujara during commentary in the ongoing England Test series. The legendary cricketer and the veteran batter had urged Bumrah’s wife, broadcaster Sanjana Ganesan, to convince the fast bowler to play all five Test matches on the demanding tour of England. Their remarks, made in good spirit during the live broadcast, quickly caught the attention of fans — and Bumrah didn’t disappoint with his reaction.
Speaking after the end of the day’s play, Bumrah addressed the suggestion with a smile. “I heard about that. I think Sanjana had a good laugh too,” he said. “Of course, it’s always nice to know people want you to be out there as much as possible. But I also know my body and what it takes to bowl long spells in these conditions.”
Bumrah’s statement was measured, mature, and mindful of the workload that fast bowlers endure, particularly in England. Playing five back-to-back Test matches in such a condensed window is an immense physical challenge — even for someone as fit and efficient as Bumrah. Over the past few years, the Indian pacer has become the heartbeat of the bowling attack across all formats, and managing his workload has often been a top priority for the team management.
What made the moment special, however, was the tone in which the request was made. Gavaskar, in particular, suggested that Sanjana might be the only one who could convince Bumrah to play all five matches, indicating the special bond the couple shares and injecting a dose of warmth into the cricketing conversation. Pujara chimed in with a smile, adding that it would be ideal for the team if Bumrah could feature in every match.
Bumrah’s form on the England tour so far has been exceptional. With his ability to move the ball both ways and his pinpoint accuracy, he has troubled even the most seasoned English batters. His early spells have consistently provided breakthroughs, and his control with the old ball has helped India maintain pressure deep into innings. This kind of impact makes him indispensable, and it’s no wonder that cricketing stalwarts like Gavaskar and Pujara are keen to see him play as much as possible.
Still, Bumrah professionalism shone through in his response. He emphasized the importance of recovery and how key it is to manage each game based on team needs and personal fitness. “I’m always ready to bowl when the team needs me,” he noted. “If my body feels good and everything goes well, I’d love to contribute in every match. But that’s a decision we take as a group — me, the physios, the coaches — and it’s all about being smart.”
As India continues their challenging tour of England, the team will be relying heavily on Bumrah brilliance. While fans and commentators may wish for him to play every Test, Bumrah balance of commitment and self-awareness ensures that when he does take the field, he delivers at full throttle — something that’s more valuable than merely being present for all five games.
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