Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his strong views on the ongoing debate surrounding workload management in cricket. While not naming any player directly, Pathan's comments seem to address the recent discussions about Jasprit Bumrah's workload during India's tour of England.
Pathan emphasized that once a player steps onto the field, the focus should solely be on giving 100% for the team, irrespective of workload concerns. He stated, "Recovery and field technology are fine. But once you step in, you're wearing the Indian jersey. After that, don't look back. You can't say, 'I'll just bowl four overs' or 'I'll bowl three overs'. People don't just say this, they do it. That's how it works these days."
To illustrate his point, Pathan cited Mohammed Siraj's performance during the fifth Test against England. He noted that Siraj bowled at 145 km/h on the final day, demonstrating resilience and commitment despite the physical demands. "I'm talking about everyone, not just one player. Everyone. Siraj, on the last day of the last Test, was bowling at 145 km/h. He has a workload too, right? This applies to everyone. But once you step in, you give it your all," Pathan remarked.
The debate over workload management has intensified following Bumrah's selective participation in the England series, where he played only three of the five Tests. In contrast, Siraj featured in all five matches, leading the Indian pace attack with 23 wickets. Pathan's comments have reignited discussions on how modern cricket manages player workloads, especially for fast bowlers.