Bumrah has played only 34 percent of international matches in last three years: Sanjay Manjrekar

Jasprit Bumrah has been waging lone battle for the Indian team with the bowling in the first two Tests of the Broder-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Though the support came at the end of Mohammed Siraj in the Adelaide Test, it did not yield any good results as India lost by 10 wickets. Bumrah was rested for the Test series against Bangladesh in a bit to keep him in sound fitness for the Australia tour. 

But the pacer came back against New Zealand for the three-match Test series and has been actively part of the playing XI in India’s last five Tests. Former India cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar has stated that the right-arm pacer is a must for the remaining Tests against Australia. He also provided a stat suggesting resting Bumrah for the bilateral matches if needed to avoid workload.

"I play him every Test match purely because Indian cricket takes care of Bumrah. And I've said this before as well, the number is etched in my head. 34% of international matches that India have played in the last three years is what Bumrah has played. Only 34% of what Indian cricket has played,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah is at a certain level, and the rest of the Indian seamers aren't quite there: Adam Gilchrist

“So he's well rested. And this is when you need it because these are the series that will be remembered forever. Give him a break in one of those bilaterals that we forget 48 hours later,” he added. 

After Australia’s 10-wicket win in Adelaide, the series is poised at 1-1 with the third Test scheduled to commence on December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane. India need to win the series by 4-1 to make it to the World Test Championship Finals on their own. A further loss in the series will leave them depending on the outcome of Sri Lanka’s series against Australia.