Former Indian selector Devang Gandhi has launched a sharp critique of the team management's workload management strategy concerning fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. His comments come in the wake of India's inexperienced pace attack being taken apart by South Africa in the ongoing ODI series.
The Workload Management Paradox
India chose to field a relatively green seam attack for the ODI series against South Africa, comprising Arshdeep Singh (13 ODIs), Harshit Rana (10 ODIs), and Prasidh Krishna (20 ODIs). This move backfired spectacularly in the second ODI on Wednesday, where the bowlers failed to defend a massive target of 359 runs.
Gandhi pointed out the glaring inconsistency in Mohammed Siraj's schedule. While Siraj was rested from the international ODI series, ostensibly for workload management, he is currently participating in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy for Hyderabad. "Does workload management imply you can play domestic cricket but not the international matches?" Gandhi questioned in an interview with Telegraph India.
Gandhi Warns of a Risky Strategy
The former selector expressed deep concern over the lack of experienced backup in the squad. He painted a scenario where the team's plans could unravel quickly. "Suppose on the eve of a game, one of the three quicks gets injured or indisposed. Who do you play then?" he asked.
He elaborated that the pace group already lacks sufficient ODI experience, and an injury could force the team to rely on a seamer-allrounder like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who may not bat in the top six or bowl many overs. Gandhi firmly believes that the presence of an experienced campaigner like Siraj would have been invaluable in such a crisis.
Harbhajan Singh Joins the Critique
Another former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, echoed similar sentiments about the inexperienced bowling lineup. While acknowledging the rest given to Jasprit Bumrah, Harbhajan questioned the absence of Mohammed Shami, who has been performing well in domestic cricket but hasn't played for India since March.
"Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel. He praised Prasidh Krishna but noted he is still learning. "With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether," he stated, emphasising the need to learn to win without the premier pacer.
Harbhajan recalled Siraj's heroic performance in the Test series in England, where India won all matches Bumrah missed. However, he stressed that in shorter formats, India urgently needs to identify match-winners in both pace and spin departments beyond the established names.
The criticism from two respected former players puts the spotlight squarely on the selection committee's strategy for managing key players, balancing rest with the need for experience in crucial bilateral series.
