Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 8: India’s 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series against England saw several standout performances, with Shubman Gill impressing in his debut stint as Test captain and Mohammed Siraj starring with 23 wickets, including a match-winning fifer in the final Test at The Oval.

However, pacer Jasprit Bumrah — who missed the second and fifth Tests due to workload management — faced criticism from some fans, who pointed out that India won only the matches he did not play.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik hit back at the trolls, emphasising Bumrah’s unmatched value to the team.

"From Jasprit Bumrah's point of view, these kinds of wins and the way this young team has fought will help him in his career. He is not someone who shies away from pressure or big matches," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Highlighting Bumrah’s reputation as India’s go-to bowler, Karthik added, "Any big moment, you want a wicket in Tests, ODIs, or T20s, you go to Jasprit Bumrah. That’s the name he has earned, and he deserves it."

Karthik dismissed the notion that India’s wins without Bumrah were a reflection on him, saying the pacer would one day be remembered alongside legends like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Dale Steyn.

He also urged fans to understand Bumrah’s fitness management, recalling his battles with two back injuries and a serious ACL tear in 2014. "Sometimes we have to cut him some slack," Karthik concluded.