Concerns Rise Over India's Fast Bowling Injury Crisis Ahead of Manchester Test
Injury Woes for Indian Fast Bowlers
As the Indian cricket team prepares for the upcoming Test match against England in Manchester, the issue of injuries among fast bowlers has resurfaced. Key players such as Akash Deep, who is dealing with a groin issue, Nitish Kumar Reddy, sidelined due to a knee ligament injury, and Arshdeep Singh, who suffered a cut on his bowling hand during practice, are all unavailable, raising alarms about the team's fast-bowling depth.
This injury crisis is not limited to the current squad. Mayank Yadav has been ruled out of IPL 2025 following a back injury that required surgery in New Zealand. Similarly, Umran Malik has been absent since last year due to dengue and a hip injury, although he briefly returned to KKR in April for rehabilitation.
With Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan also undergoing knee surgeries, questions are being raised about whether the current training methods, workload management, and recovery protocols are negatively impacting the future of India's pace attack. Fast bowling is known to place significant stress on the lumbar spine, and experts suggest that sudden increases in workload are a primary factor contributing to the rising number of injuries among Indian fast bowlers.
Steffan Jones, a fast bowling coach and founder of PaceLab Ltd, noted that many bowlers are experiencing injuries because they did not bowl enough during their formative years. He explained that since around 2010, there has been a focus on workload management, which has inadvertently led to injuries when bowlers suddenly face increased demands.
Jones elaborated that bowlers often do not bowl enough in high-pressure situations, leading to a mismatch between their training and match conditions. He emphasized that while net bowling is monitored, it does not replicate the intensity of actual games, which can lead to injuries.
In addition to workload issues, Jones pointed out that poor technique and insufficient overall strength are contributing factors. He explained that fast bowling requires a unique biomechanical approach that is often not taught correctly, leading to injuries.
A common injury among Indian fast bowlers, including Bumrah and Mayank, is the lumbar stress fracture, which is often a result of increased workload. Jones highlighted that if injuries are linked to overload, they can be managed effectively, but the risk of recurrence remains high if the underlying causes are not addressed.
John Gloster, a former physiotherapist for the Indian team, added that after a stress fracture, the affected bone experiences reduced density for up to 18 months, increasing the likelihood of re-injury. He warned that if bowlers do not manage their workloads carefully, they risk exacerbating their injuries.
Bumrah, who made his debut in IPL 2013, has faced some injuries but has managed to maintain a successful career. In contrast, Mayank, who made a significant impact in IPL 2024, has struggled with injuries that have limited his appearances.
Despite his natural talent, Mayank's injury history raises concerns about his long-term prospects. Jones noted that while Mayank has potential, his body seems to be in 'protection mode,' affecting his performance.
The rehabilitation process for injured fast bowlers typically involves diagnosis, rehab, and a return-to-play protocol. However, there are concerns that players may be rushed back into action without adequate recovery time, leading to recurring injuries.
Ashish Kaushik, a former physiotherapist, emphasized the importance of accurate recovery timelines and the need for a structured rehabilitation approach. He criticized the current disorganized rehab process, which often lacks a clear plan for progression.
India has a limited pool of fast bowlers capable of consistently delivering speeds above 150 km/h, and the pressure to perform can lead to hasty decisions regarding their training and recovery.
As the cricketing landscape evolves, it is crucial for stakeholders to recognize the need for a cultural shift in how fast bowlers are trained and managed. The recurring injury patterns among fast bowlers highlight the necessity for a thorough reevaluation of recovery systems to ensure they do not hinder team performance in critical matches.