"Mohammed Siraj did it but..."- Former India star comments on Jasprit Bumrah's criticism after ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh, has broken his silence on the management handling the workload of their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England. Even before they travelled to England, the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, revealed that the Ahmedabad-born would feature in only three red-ball clashes of the seven-week trip.

Bumrah ended with 14 wickets in three outings, including a couple of five-wicket hauls during the opening and third red-ball fixture at Leeds and Lord’s. Several former players have given their view on the Pacers’ fitness, and how the Indian side would need to take its toll during vital games of various trips. The former off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, shed light.

See Also: Former Australia coach and captain Bob Simpson passes away at 89

“I don't know how much pain he (Jasprit Bumrah) is suffering from. But what I do know is that he is a very honest man. He knows about his body. He knows how much load his body can take and how much it can't. He has just come back after an injury. A lot of them are asking what workload means.” Harbhajan Singh expressed to The Times of India.

Harbhajan Singh breaks silence on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management post ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

The Hyderabad-born Mohammed Siraj picked up nine wickets during the series decider of the fifth and final red-ball clash at the Kennington Oval in South London. Harbhajan highlighted the physical toll on the fast bowlers, revealing that Siraj won’t be able to do it continuously, as he would keep playing.  

“Workload means when a bowler like Bumrah bowls on his own, like he did in Australia. That is called workload because he is taking the load of others as well. Siraj did it recently, but he can't do that for a whole year. There can come a series when you feel like you need to put in the extra effort and need to take a toll on the body.” Harbhajan Singh addressed.

“Bumrah did that in Australia, and in the end, he broke down. Siraj took it as well, and let's hope that he does not break down. I think a player's honesty is most important in this regard.” He added during the interaction as India drew the series at 2-2.