India Shut Down Bumrah Vs Stokes Workload Debate: 'We're Not Comparing...'

India Shut Down Bumrah Vs Stokes Workload Debate: 'We're Not Comparing...'

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Last Updated: July 18, 2025, 12:24 IST

Irfan Pathan pointed out how Jasprit Bumrah could've been better utilised during the Lord's Test.

Ben Stokes (left) and Jasprit Bumrah (AP/AFP)

Should Jasprit Bumrah have bowled longish spells in the third Test at Lord’s when Joe Root was batting?

Irfan Pathan says Bumrah could’ve been better utilised citing the example of England captain Ben Stokes who bowled a marathon spell on the final morning of the contest that saw him pick the all-important wicket of KL Rahul to put a major dent in Indian hopes of chasing down 193.

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Pathan also said that the concerns over workload shouldn’t have been an issue as Bumrah was already well-rested having skipped the 2nd Test at Edgbaston.

India fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate has dismissed the comparisons citing Bumrah’s strength and effectiveness in short spells.

“Ben was super impressive – bowling with that intensity on Day 5, along with his batting and fielding. But we’re not comparing our bowlers to others. We have our own strengths. Jasprit, for instance, thrives in short, sharp spells, which works for us," Doeschate said on Thursday.

“Some bowlers- like (Mohammed) Siraj- build into their spells, peaking in their 7th, 8th, or 9th over. Not everyone is the same, and we plan accordingly," he added.

Pathan’s Review Of India’s Performance

In a video on his YouTube channel while reviewing India’s defeat at Lord’s, Pathan had been critical of how Bumrah could have bowled a longer spell to help India take control of the game.

“Ben Stokes bowled a marathon spell of 9.2 overs (on Day 5). He bats, bowls, effects run-outs but nobody talks about (his) workload when he’s bowling. Jasprit Bumrah bowled five overs and then was taken off (when Joe Root was batting) – it was the phase when you had to take control of the game," Pathan observed.

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“Stokes wears several hats – batting, bowling, captaincy, fielding – he does everything. If he can bowl a 9-over spell for his team, then I feel we were left behind here. You expect your top bowler to seize the moment," he added.

India are trailing 1-2 in the series and will hope to bounce back in Manchester where the third Test is slated to be played from July 23.

About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital... Read More Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital... Read More

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First Published: July 18, 2025, 12:24 IST

News cricket India Shut Down Bumrah Vs Stokes Workload Debate: 'We're Not Comparing...'

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