Bhuvneshwar Kumar breaks silence on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management debate
Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has backed India’s decision to focus on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management by not playing him in all the matches of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bhuvneshwar explained how tough it is for a bowler to continuously play all the matches across formats for numerous years and dominate with the ball. Bhuvneshwar also highlighted Jasprit Bumrah's unconventional bowling action, which he noted could potentially lead to injuries.
"Look, considering how many years Jasprit Bumrah has been playing and competing in all formats, it is tough for anyone to sustain that. And with the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him or to anyone," he said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar had no problem with Bumrah playing three Tests out of five, as he knows what kind of impact the latter makes with the ball in the matches that he plays for the team. The RCB bowler has backed the selectors’ decision completely to make Bumrah play only three out of five Tests while keeping in mind his workload management.
"I had no problem with him playing three out of five matches. If the selectors know what he can offer and are okay with it, it’s because they know he can still make a big impact in those three games. If a player might not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay," he explained.
"People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats. Bumrah is always bowling in tough situations, which brings both mental and physical pressure. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage them somehow," said the Indian fast bowler, who shared the dressing room with Bumrah for many years during the latter's formative years in international cricket.
Bumrah picked 14 wickets in 3 Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar 2025. In three Tests, he picked up 14 wickets at 26.00. He began the series with a five-wicket haul in the first Test match. He then played at Lord’s and again picked a five-for and took, overall, seven wickets in the Test match.
Bumrah couldn't make a similar impact in the next Test, with whispers about his retirement from Test cricket beginning to circulate on social media. Bumrah picked just two wickets in the fourth Test and was rested for the final Test match.
