Manchester Weather: As India prepares for a must-win clash against England in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has delivered a firm and thought-provoking message to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah:
“Either give it your all, or don’t play at all!”
Pathan’s statement, made via his YouTube channel, comes at a time when the team is under pressure — trailing 1-2 in the series — and the Manchester weather adds yet another layer of uncertainty.
Irfan Pathan’s Direct Call to Bumrah: Team First, Always
“I’m a huge fan of Jasprit Bumrah. His skills are unmatched,” Pathan said. “But when you represent India, you’re not just playing cricket — you’re carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion people. That means going the extra mile.”
He continued, “If you’re in a spell and Joe Root walks in, you can’t stop at five overs. You must dig deeper. Either throw in everything, or step aside and rest.”
Pathan also emphasized that this wasn’t a personal attack or a question on Bumrah’s dedication, but a reminder that crucial moments demand extraordinary efforts.
Rotation Sparks Controversy as India Trails 1-2
Bumrah has been part of just two Tests so far on this tour — the 1st and 3rd — where he delivered impactful spells, including two five-wicket hauls. But under workload management, he’s expected to play only three out of five Tests, which has raised concerns with India behind in the series.
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has also echoed similar concerns, questioning the wisdom of resting your best fast bowler in a high-stakes overseas tour.
Manchester Weather: Rain, Strategy Dilemma, and Historical Jinx
Adding further complexity to India’s selection headache is the weather forecast for Manchester, which could significantly influence the game.
Light rain is forecast over the next five days
The surface has hosted high first-innings scores in County games, but the last of those came in May
The recent heavy rainfall has left the outfield damp and conditions overcast
Pathan: “This is National Duty, Not Franchise Cricket”
“When you play for India, everything else — stats, workload, fame — comes second,” said Pathan. “Ben Stokes pushed himself for England. Jofra Archer came back after four years. That’s the attitude that wins Tests.”
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Pathan firmly believes that if Bumrah can go the extra mile in the 4th Test, not only can India level the series, but it could also be a defining moment in his career.
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