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Jasprit Bumrah | Source: X.com

India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the decisive fifth Test at The Oval had sparked debate, despite team management confirming beforehand that the pacer would only feature in three matches in the series.

Bumrah was even released mid-way through the final Test, but India still sealed a 2-2 series draw, showing remarkable depth in his absence.

Bumrah’s limited role was a part of a broader strategy to safeguard his fitness and prolong his career. Still, some former cricketers criticised his absence, and a PTI report claimed the BCCI wasn’t pleased with players “picking and choosing” matches, hinting at a possible clampdown.

Now, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, the man who oversaw Bumrah’s rise, has stepped in to defend the star quick. Speaking to The Indian Express, Arun called the criticism “unfair” and pointed to the seriousness of Bumrah’s back injury.

“It’s so sad to hear about this stuff against Bumrah. He has had a serious surgery, and people should understand it is not as if the surgery is done and he is all good forever. No, this is far more serious stuff on his back now,” Arun said.

‘Not Picking and Choosing’

Addressing the “pick and choose” narrative, Arun hit back strongly.

“It’s not picking and choosing. Just a few months back, he was hailed as the world’s greatest fast bowler in Australia, and now, he is being criticised unfairly. Did he underperform in the three Tests? Two fifers he took,” he noted.

Arun revealed that announcing Bumrah’s three-Test availability before the series was a deliberate move to prevent such backlash.

“Why do you think it was announced way before the series itself that he will play three Tests? Precisely to stop this kind of nonsense. Not for the world to fall to temptation and say play him as this Test is crucial. His body is like that now. We have to be careful and understand what a great feat it is for him to play for India through all this,” the former coach explained.

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