"You're playing for India, there is no question about workload"- Sunil Gavaskar on Jasprit Bumrah's participation for rest of BGT 2024-25

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar called on ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah to play the remaining three Tests of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy unless injured. His remarks came after India suffered a massive 10-wicket defeat in the second Test in Adelaide.

During the first innings of the contest, Bumrah was down with a minor issue, resulting in speculation of a possible injury. The 31-year-old bowled 33 overs in India's first innings with the ball after going full throttle in their first Test win at Perth.

Speaking to India post-game, Gavaskar said about Bumrah's participation for the rest of the series:

"I would like him to play all 5 Test matches. You're playing for India, there is no question about workload and stuff like that. He has to play all 5 Test matches unless he is injured. This match finished in 2 and a half days. This hasn't gone for 5 days. So the man gets 5 days of break."

He added:

"If he has a problem or an injury, then yes. But if he doesn't have an injury. You have been giving 4-over, 5-over spells. That is perfect. That's the way to go, unless you have taken a wicket or two. If you take a wicket in your 5th over, give him a 6th one."

Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker after two Tests with 12 wickets at an average of 11.25, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Perth outing. He also captained the side in their memorable 295-run first Test win in Rohit Sharma's absence.

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"He is your battering ram" - Sunil Gavaskar

BOXING DAY TEST: DEC 07 NRMA Insurance Day-Night Test - Source: Getty

Sunil Gavaskar claimed India's chances of bowling Australia out twice reduces drastically should Jasprit Bumrah miss any time in the rest of the five-Test series.

The champion pacer was at his devastating best even in India's sub-par first-innings bowling performance in the second Test with figures of 4/61.

"He is your battering ram. If you're not going to play him in all 5 matches, you reduce your chance of taking 20 Australian wickets. How he is used is up to the captain. He has to be used in such a way that he is effective each time he comes to bowl," said Gavaskar.

With the series level at 1-1, Team India will hope Bumrah has no injury concerns heading into the all-important third Test in Brisbane, starting on December 14.