Bhuvneshwar Kumar Supports Jasprit Bumrah's Workload Management Amid Criticism
Support for Bumrah's Workload Management
Former Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has publicly defended Jasprit Bumrah amidst ongoing criticism regarding his workload management during the recent Test series against England, which concluded with India winning the final Test at the Oval.
Despite the series ending, discussions surrounding Bumrah's workload have intensified, with notable figures like Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Ravi Shastri expressing concerns over his selective participation in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Prior to the England series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Team India management decided that Bumrah would only participate in three out of five matches to prevent overexertion, a strategy informed by his experience during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he played all five matches and suffered a back injury in the final Test. In the England series, Bumrah played in the Headingley, Lord’s, and Old Trafford Tests, while sitting out the Edgbaston and Oval matches.
Bhuvneshwar's Perspective on Bumrah's Match Participation
In light of the criticism, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has emerged as a staunch supporter of Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of managing his career longevity due to the unique demands of his bowling style. He noted that playing fewer matches does not diminish Bumrah's overall impact on the team.
"Given the number of years Jasprit has been active across formats, it's challenging for anyone to maintain that level of performance. His bowling action makes him susceptible to injuries, which can affect anyone," he stated during a podcast titled 'Talk with Manvendra.'
"I have no issues with him participating in three out of five matches. If the selectors are aware of his capabilities and agree with this approach, it’s because they recognize he can still significantly contribute in those three games. If a player can make a notable impact in three matches instead of playing all five, that should be acceptable," he added.
Bumrah's Performance and Future Prospects
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the Oval Test and subsequently released from the squad before Day 2 of the series finale. Although the BCCI did not disclose the reasons for his release, it is believed to be a precautionary measure for workload management.
In the three Tests he participated in, Bumrah took 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, with an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 3.04 across five innings.
The Challenges Faced by Bumrah
Bhuvneshwar Kumar further elaborated on the mental and physical challenges Bumrah faces while bowling in high-pressure situations, underscoring the necessity of managing bowlers like him effectively.
"People often overlook the difficulties of maintaining performance over many years across different formats. Bumrah consistently bowls in challenging scenarios, which adds both mental and physical strain," Bhuvneshwar remarked.
"To ensure a player has a prolonged career, it is essential to manage their workload appropriately," he concluded.
Bumrah's Test Career Overview
Jasprit Bumrah has proven to be one of India's most dependable pacers, particularly in overseas conditions, having taken 172 out of 219 Test wickets outside India, which accounts for nearly 79% of his total Test wickets.
Looking ahead, Bumrah is expected to return to the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025, despite earlier indications that he would take an extended break before the home Test series against the West Indies. If he participates in the continental tournament, he may be rested for the opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.