'Played freely without Jasprit Bumrah': KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane gives verdict on Star India pacer

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Ajinkya Rahane praised Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional clarity and courage related to managing his workload during the England Test series, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Before the series began, Bumrah was upfront with the BCCI, captain Shubman Gill, and coach Gautam Gambhir, informing them that he would only play three out of five Tests. Bumrah played the first, third, and fourth Tests, finishing with 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls at Headingley and Lord's.

Rahane highlighted Bumrah's transparency, saying on his YouTube channel, "What I liked about the Bumrah situation was that he was pretty clear; he knew what he wanted to do before the series. He said, 'I'll play the first one, I won't play the second one, and then I'll play the third'. Great clarity for a captain."

"It shows that he has the courage to tell the captain and management to be really clear... It also shows that he is keeping the team ahead of himself. Sometimes it is not easy to do so when you are playing for India," Rahane added.

Rahane also advised that because of Bumrah's unique bowling action and the load it places on his body, if the team wants him available for all five Tests, he should be used in smaller spells of three or four overs.

"If you want Bumrah to play all five Tests, then use him in smaller spells. I think England were wary of Bumrah when he was playing; 'Bazball' didn't come out to the full extent. When Bumrah wasn't there, they played a little freely," the KKR captain added.

Bumrah's workload management has been a big concern for the Indian team and the pace spearhead's availability for the upcoming Asia Cup has no clarification so far. The India pacer is likely to be involved in the upcoming Test series against West Indies and South Africa, both to be played at home.