Amid the never-ending debate over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management, India Test captain Shubman Gill says that the fast bowlers understand where they are needed more and when playing at home, it won’t
be as demanding as compared to overseas conditions.
Bumrah played in three of the five-match Test series in England, getting regular breaks during the tour held earlier this year. He though played in both the Tests against West Indies at home and is unlikely to be rested during the two-match Test series against South Africa that starts from Friday in Kolkata.
When asked how the narrative around Bumrah’s workload has shifted, Gill replied, “When you play in places like England or Australia, the workload for fast bowlers is usually higher than it is in India. But our pacers have also learned to recognise the kind of spells they need to bowl here.”
“For example, if there’s reverse swing on offer, they’ll go full throttle for that phase. Bumrah also understands that the workload in Indian conditions isn’t as demanding, and he manages it accordingly,” he added.
Facing World Champions At Home
Gill was all praise for the reigning ICC World Test champions South Africa ahead of the series, pointing out their impressive performance on the recent tour of Pakistan where they drew a two-match series 1-1.
“These two Test matches are very important (for India). To play the WTC final, we need to do well here. South Africa are a strong side – they’ve won the WTC – so it won’t be easy. We know there will be difficult moments, but as a team, we’ve shown that we can handle those situations well,” Gill said.
“They (South Africa) have drawn series in Pakistan. They are the world champions in Tests. The teams who do well in Asian conditions are always tough to face. But we are ready for the challenge,” he added.
The first Test will be played from November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
