‘Team always comes first’: Irfan Pathan tells Bumrah to learn from Ben Stokes, put in extra effort for India

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sent a strong message to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Pathan praised Bumrah’s incredible bowling skills but urged him to go “the extra mile” for the team when the situation demands.

“I absolutely adore Jasprit Bumrah, I absolutely love his skills. He is outstanding. However, I believe that when you play for India, you have to give it your all. When you talk about a five-over spell, when Root comes, you are not bowling the sixth over. You have to give it all. Either you give everything or you rest properly,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

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Bumrah’s workload management questioned

Bumrah was part of a pre-decided plan to play only three of the five Tests on this England tour to manage his workload. But with India trailing 2-1 in the series and facing injury concerns, there have been growing calls for him to feature in the remaining two Tests.

“When it comes to a nation or a team, when you are playing for a team, you play for them. Team always comes first. Not questioning that he hasn’t put in efforts. He has bowled overs. There is no doubt about it. However, when it comes to going the extra mile for the team, you have to do that,” Pathan said.

“Bumrah will remain at the top for a long time if he continues to win games regularly for India. You have to put in that extra effort when the team needs you. Ben Stokes did that, and Jofra did it after four years,” he added.

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Bumrah has already made a big impact in this series. In the first Test at Headingley, he took a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings. In the third Test at Lord’s, he was again India’s best bowler, picking another five-for and finishing the match with 7 wickets for 112 runs.

Despite his success, Bumrah was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, and that decision has drawn criticism from some former players and fans. Meanwhile, the Indian pacer is likely to play the fourth Test as confirmed by Mohammed Siraj at the press conference on July 21.