Mohammed Siraj opens up on Jasprit Bumrah’s decision on skipping matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Mohammed Siraj aimed at Jasprit Bumrah's detractors for his decision to manage his workload by missing two games in England during the recently concluded five-match series between the two teams. Bumrah only participated in three games at the 2025 Andeson-Tendulkar Trophy, although Siraj was in all five.

According to India pacer Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah suffered a serious back injury during the Border-Gavaskar series 2024–25 against Australia. Had he participated in more Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy matches, there is no assurance that he would have bowled ever again. Notably, in order to effectively manage his workload, Bumrah had to deal with a lot of criticism after missing two of the five Test matches against England.

Siraj's brilliant play on the last day may have helped India win the match and tie the series, but Bumrah's absence caused a great deal of criticism. Some believed that Bumrah ought to have played the pivotal final Test regardless of the consequences, since the series was at stake.

Siraj defended his choice to skip some of the Test matches in the England series, saying that Bumrah doesn't give the "outside opinion" any thought. Coincidentally, the Men in Blue won the second and fifth Test matches of the assignment, which Bumrah had missed.

Mohammed Siraj stated during the Indian Express' Idea Exchange that Jasprit Bumrah doesn't worry about the outside because he can't risk his body breaking down due to his severe back injury and surgery.

"Bumrah bhai doesn’t worry about outside opinion. He had a serious back injury and a big surgery. Had he bowled in that match, one can’t say whether he would have bowled again or not, if he had broken down. It’s that serious. That injury is very sensitive. His bowling action is very difficult. He is such an important bowler for India and his availability is so important — from the Asia Cup to next year’s World Cup and so on," he said.

"Indian fans should understand that he is the backbone of the team and be rest assured that whenever possible, he will definitely play. Jassi bhai took the perfect decision."

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