Senior fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has backed Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management strategy, claiming that most people are unaware of the demands placed on pacers to produce reliably in all forms while under pressure.
Bhuvneshwar made his remarks following questions from members of the cricket community, including some former players, over Bumrah’s selective assignment selection during the five-Test series in England.
Jasprit Bumrah would only play three of the five Test matches, according to a decision made well before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy began. This was made clear by chief selector Ajit Agarkar when he announced a larger squad for the crucial series.
However, Bumrah came under fire for missing the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which was the pivotal series decider. India did not win any of the three Test matches in which Bumrah played.
In spite of Bumrah’s unavailability, India leveled the series 2-2 with a stunning victory in the fifth and final Test. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, a youthful Indian team battled valiantly to win the series. Bumrah’s workload plan, however, became a topic of discussion, as the fast bowler came under fire for supposedly failing to prioritize a series that was very important.
Bhuvneshwar clarified to Manvendra on the Cricket Stories Podcast why it is irrational to expect Bumrah to play in accordance with the whims and fancies of those watching from the outside.
“Considering how many years Bumrah has been playing and competing in all formats, it is tough for anyone to sustain that. Given the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him or anyone. I had no problem with him playing three out of five matches,” Bhuvneshwar said.
“If the selectors know what he can offer and are comfortable with it, it is because they know he can still make a big impact in those three games. If a player might not play all five matches but can contribute significantly in three, that should be acceptable – people do not always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats,” Bhuvneshwar added.
“There is pressure as well. If you want someone to play for long, you have to manage him well. So, I did not have any problem,” Bhuvneshwar said.
The harshest critics of Bumrah’s workload strategy were former captains Dilip Vengsarkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. Vengsarkar asked why Bumrah and the BCCI did not choose to skip the IPL rather than two Test matches in such a significant series.
Bumrah played in three Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy matches and claimed 14 wickets. Mohammed Siraj, who took 22 wickets in five games, led the bowling attack superbly in his absence.
Media reports suggest Bumrah is likely to make his comeback in the Asia Cup T20, beginning 9 September. His participation in India’s home Tests for the 2025-26 season, however, remains uncertain. The schedule includes a two-Test series against the West Indies from October 2, followed by South Africa in November.
