Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrikar Concern has been expressed. Jaspreet Bumrah‘s international availability, saying he would like to see the star fast bowler work more consistently for Indian cricket after his latest workload-related hiatus.Along with Recently included in India’s 15-member squad for the Asian Games in Japan, where Shreyas Iyer Will lead the team in September. However, the pace spearhead has been rested for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England in June and July. The decision comes after Bumrah featured in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. Acknowledging the physical demands of modern cricket, Manjrikar admitted he struggled to understand Bumrah’s career path. The former batsman had earlier criticized the pacer for appearing in only three Tests during India’s five-match series against England.Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Manjrekar suggested that Bumrah could have handled the workload of a shorter T20I assignment, especially after completing a full IPL season.“The Asian Games, those performances and those results don’t stay with you for long. Cricket is still a two-way game and our own World Cup. The Olympics, when it comes too, I don’t think it will have the same sanctity that you have. It would be nice to win the Asia Games, but Bumrah is somebody; I’m just confused about his abilities and how worried I am about his abilities. In an Insta post yesterday I thought Bumrah was the frontrunner to be India’s T20 captain. Because I felt he could handle the T20 workload.The former cricketer questioned Bumrah’s performance for India, saying that the fast bowler seems to be selective about the matches he prefers.“But it seems he’s not too keen on playing every game that India plays. So here’s a guy who actually rests for India games and keeps himself fit for some of India’s games. So that’s a very different approach, which I don’t understand. I just want him to dedicate himself as much as possible to India. I can understand the workload he feels for Tests. But I think he demands 50 overs of full cricket. Able to handle the workload of a few T20 matches in Ireland and England.Manjrekar also revealed that he sees Bumrah as a prime candidate to captain India’s T20I team. According to him, the fast bowler’s limited availability has opened the door for other players to play a leadership role sooner than expected.Bumrah turned down the Test captaincy in 2025 due to workload concerns, forcing the selectors to hand him the role. Shabman Gul. Now, with Ireland and England unavailable for the T20Is, Shreyas Iyer has been tasked with leading India in the Asian Games.“I wish he was available. And he would be the go-to captain for me. He definitely deserved the talent and leadership qualities. Besides not being too keen to take the captaincy. It’s gone prematurely with other Indian players like Shubman Gill in England and now Shreyas Iyer.” He added.Bumrah’s recent form has also come under scrutiny. During IPL 2026, the veteran fast bowler faced an exceptionally tough campaign, picking up just four wickets while also struggling to contain runs.Having already been rested for the T20I series against Ireland and England and left out of Afghanistan’s ODI squad, the focus will now be on whether Bumrah returns for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against England.
