Irfan Pathan Slams India’s Workload Management Strategy
India’s loss to England at Lord’s has sparked debates over the team’s approach to workload management. While India frequently rests their star players, like Jasprit Bumrah, England’s captain Ben Stokes has been praised for his all-around contributions in the match. Stokes not only scored 44 and 33 with the bat but also bowled a marathon spell of 20 and 24 overs in both innings, earning the Player of the Match award for his efforts.
This level of commitment impressed former cricketer Irfan Pathan, who criticized India’s approach, particularly the handling of Bumrah. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out the stark contrast between Stokes’ all-round efforts and Bumrah’s limited participation. “Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2 overs spell on Day Five. He’s a 4D player—bowls, bats, and leads. But we hear no talk of workload management. In India, we focus on workload management,” said Pathan.
Pathan highlighted how Bumrah, India’s premier pacer, was only allowed to bowl five overs during a critical phase in the second innings. “Bumrah was waiting for Joe Root to come out to bat, when India needed to control the game,” Pathan added. “Workload management should not be a concern when you’re in the middle of the match.”
England’s Stokes Sets Example of Commitment
Pathan also drew attention to the performance of Jofra Archer, who returned to Test cricket after a four-year absence but bowled tirelessly, completing a six-over spell in the morning and returning to bowl again. He pointed out that while Stokes and Archer did not hesitate to bowl long spells, India’s pacers appeared to hold back due to their focus on workload.
“The Indian pacers were left behind,” Pathan remarked. He also stressed that excessive extras—31 in the first innings and 32 in the second innings—contributed to India’s downfall. “If India had conceded fewer extras, we could have performed much better,” Pathan noted.
As the series stands at 2-1 in England’s favor, India will look to improve in the fourth Test at Manchester, starting on July 23.
Stay tuned for all the latest Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Cricket updates, match highlights, player analysis, and viral moments!
