Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from India’s playing XI in the second Test against England at Edgbaston sparked widespread debate, especially after his standout performance in the series opener at Leeds. The star pacer, who had dismantled England’s batting line-up with precision and pace, was rested for workload management — a move that left fans and cricket pundits puzzled. Among those questioning the decision was legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar drew attention to how previous generations managed their fitness and match readiness, even without modern-day support systems. He invoked the legendary Kapil Dev as a prime example of relentless preparation and durability.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! “How did they play? I think their training was a little bit different,” Gavaskar remarked. “Kapil (Dev) was hardly ever in the gym. He was running around, running around and then he was bowling to about five or six batters in the nets. Then he would come in again and bat himself and bowl to a couple more.”
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Gavaskar emphasised that Kapil’s routine wasn’t built around fitness fads, but around doing the job repeatedly until his body adapted. “So basically he was doing what his profession required. What his expertise required which is bowl, bowl and bowl. So his bowling muscles and the whole body was used to bowling. He was a brilliant athlete. I think he could have been a champion in any sport. He did what his profession required. It was to play cricket, practise cricket,” he further added. While Bumrah had stated ahead of the series that he would play only three of the five Tests, Gavaskar’s comments shed light on a broader debate in modern cricket: are today’s stars being overprotected? India’s attack at Edgbaston lacked the same bite without Bumrah, and critics argue that resting a match-winner in a high-stakes series may be a misstep. Gavaskar’s reflections don’t directly criticise Bumrah but highlight a shift in mindset — one where workload management often replaces the rugged endurance of the past.
