Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has slammed Jasprit Bumrah for selecting matches based on workload management. Bumrah, who has been a key player for India across all formats, participated in three matches during the England tour.

Bumrah took 14 wickets and was rested from the second and fifth Tests. The team won the Oval Test by six runs.

In an interview with Mid-day, Azharuddin said that if injury was a concern, Bumrah and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should have decided.

“If it’s an injury concern, then the player and the Board need to make the decision. But once you’re part of the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches. There is workload management, but at this level, you must handle it. You’re representing your country,” Azharuddin stated.

India, however, benefitted from strong performances by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep in the matches that Bumrah missed. Azharuddin questioned what would happen if India found themselves in a crucial situation requiring their star bowler’s presence.

“It was a different scenario with Siraj, Prasidh (Krishna), and Akash Deep stepping up, and we were lucky to win without Bumrah. But what if India find itself in a situation where they desperately need Bumrah?” Azharuddin questioned.

After the England tour, Bumrah is likely to play in the Asia Cup, which kicks off on September 9.