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Jasprit Bumrah—quite the cricketer, isn’t he? And that’s exactly why India has been managing his workload, resting him during key Tests to preserve his fitness and, in turn, extend his career. So far, that strategy has paid off. Their star fast bowler stays protected. But on the other hand, Mohammed Siraj? He’s been working overtime—no breaks, no breathers—just turning up and delivering without missing a beat.
But while Bumrah’s been handled with bubble wrap, Mohammed Siraj has been the guy India keeps throwing into the fire.
No breaks, no breathers—just pure hustle.
Take that Edgbaston Test, for example. Bumrah sat it out. Siraj? He ran in hard, took 6/70, and basically steamrolled England in their own backyard. And that’s not just a one-time thing—he’s been doing the heavy lifting all year. Quietly. Reliably. Almost invisibly.
Let the numbers talk.
In 2025, Siraj has bowled 167 overs—the most by any Indian pacer. Eighteen wickets from six Tests might not seem like fantasy-league material, but they’ve come on unhelpful tracks, often without much support at the other end. While Bumrah gets rested or rotated, Siraj shows up. Every. Single. Time.
And look, India’s fast bowling depth is great on paper—Shami, Bumrah, Umesh, even Arshdeep. But it’s Siraj who’s been the glue lately.
He’s the one holding the fort, especially when India plays overseas or on flat decks that eat pacers alive.
The real kicker?
India are chasing a spot in the World Test Championship Final. Every match, every session counts. And while it’s understandable to save Bumrah for the big battles, it shouldn’t come at the cost of overworking someone like Siraj, who has quietly become indispensable.
So, here’s the thing:
Yes, protect Bumrah, but don’t let Siraj burn out in the process. Because without his workhorse effort, India might not even make it to the stage where Bumrah can shine.
**This news was published on India Today on 1st August, 2025.
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