Gautam Gambhir has never been shy about calling out the superstar mindset or culture in Indian cricket, and now his fearless and team-first approach got a big boost with the way India fought back to level the five-match Test series 2-2 in England.
India’s hard-fought 2-2 draw in England was seen as a statement that no individual is above the national team. Mohammed Siraj became the face of this new attitude. The fiery pacer bowled nearly 186 overs across the five tests, fielded tirelessly, and never looked for excuses or rest.
Gautam Gambhir declares war on superstar culture after gritty 2-2 draw in England
Mohammed Siraj’s relentless spirit set the benchmark for what Gautam Gambhir wants his Indian cricket team to represent—fitness, discipline, and the hunger to play every game, no matter how tough. Siraj, along with Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, proved that India doesn’t have to depend on a few big names like Jasprit Bumrah to deliver when it matters most.
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The success of Siraj, Akash, and Krishna has put players like Jasprit Bumrah, who very often skips matches in the name of workload management, under question.
Even Ben Stokes, battling multiple niggles, bowled long spells for England till the final Test, which raised questions among the Indian think tank about why Jasprit Bumrah was played only three Tests when the series was so important.
BCCI set to take action against Jasprit Bumrah!!
Meanwhile, it is being said that the discussions have already started on making players accountable at the BCCI. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and the key decision-makers are now on the same page to end the days of picking and choosing games.
A clear message will soon be delivered by the BCCI to the centrally contracted players, especially those playing all three formats, that picking and choosing matches will not be tolerated anymore.
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However, the genuine workload management will remain for fast bowlers, but skipping key games without solid reasons won’t be accepted.
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar unite to end ‘Pick-and-Choose’ culture in India
A senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI, “There have been discussions, and the message will be sent across to the centrally contracted players, especially those who are all-format regulars, that this culture of picking and choosing games won’t be entertained in the near future.”
The official further explained, “It doesn’t mean that workload management will be thrown out of the window, but a more objective approach is expected in the near future. Obviously, fast bowlers’ workload needs to be managed, but it can’t be accepted that in the name of workload management, people will miss crucial matches.”
BCCI is unhappy with Jasprit Bumrah for not being able to handle the workload of a five-match Test series. The top officials are also angry at the Sports science team working at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Indian fast bowlers’ performance in the England tour
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah played only three matches on the England tour and was rested for the two matches to manage his workload due to the history of his injuries. Bumrah was rested for the crucial final Test, but later it emerged that the pacer was nursing an ankle injury.
Jasprit Bumrah scalped 14 wickets from his three Tests in England, where Siraj played all five Tests and finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets. While Prasidh Krishna took 14 wickets in three Tests, Akash Deep scalped 13 wickets in the same number of matches in England.
