Sunil Gavaskar Wants ‘Workload’ Term Erased from Indian Cricket, Cites Siraj-Pant's Example

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London, Aug 5: India legend Sunil Gavaskar has lavished praise on fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for playing all five Tests in the recently concluded England series, asserting that the Hyderabad pacer has "debunked forever this business of workload". Gavaskar’s strong remarks come in the backdrop of increasing emphasis on "workload management" in modern-day cricket.

Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs in the five-match Test series and finished as India’s highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps. In contrast, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed the crucial fifth Test at The Oval due to workload concerns.

While Gavaskar clarified that his comments weren’t aimed at Bumrah, whose case, he said, involved "injury management". The legendary batter, however, questioned the frequent usage of the term “workload” in Indian cricket.

“Forget the Aches When You Play for India,” Says Gavaskar

“When you are playing for your country, forget the aches and the pains. On the border, do you think that the jawans are complaining about cold?” Gavaskar said in an interview with India Today. “What did Rishabh Pant show you? He came out to bat with a fracture. That is what you expect from the players. Playing cricket for India is an honour.”

Gavaskar lauded Siraj for consistently responding to his captain’s call, saying, “For five Test matches, non-stop, he has bowled 7-8 over spells, because the captain wanted him and the country expected of him.”

Gavaskar Wants 'Workload’ Term Erased from Indian Cricket

The 76-year-old batting icon further stated that over-reliance on workload management could prevent India from fielding their best XI.

“If you are going to succumb to people who are talking about workload, then you are never going to have your best players on the field for your country,” he said. “I hope that the word 'workload’ goes out of the Indian cricket dictionary. I've been saying that for a long time... this workload is only a mental thing, not so much a physical thing.”

Siraj’s Warrior-Like Spirit Wins Hearts

Gavaskar’s admiration for Siraj comes not only from his wicket tally but from his resilience and tireless work ethic. At a time when rotation policies dominate team selection, Siraj’s unwavering commitment and stamina stood out as a rare example of grit and pride in donning the national jersey.