Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has made a bold claim on Jasprit Bumrah’s future in Test cricket after Day 3 of IND vs ENG 4th Test. The veteran pacer looked no where near his best on Friday at the Old Trafford and was bowling at speeds lower than what he normally does so. Ahead of play on Day 4, Kaif has cast aspersions on if Bumrah will be the next to be forced to retire from the longest format of the game.
Test career over for Bumrah
In a video uploaded on social media platform X, Kaif claimed that Bumrah had lost the ability to consistently bowl at higher speeds like he could do so previously. He pointed out that this, along with his battle to stay fit, could lead him to consider retirement from Test cricket once and for all. Kaif claimed that he wouldn’t be surprised if Bumrah joins the list of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin in the near future.
“I don’t think you can see Bumrah in upcoming Tests and could also take retirement. He has been able to bowl deliveries at speed. If a player feels that he cannot give his 100% for the country, take wickets, win matches for the team, then he himself will refuse from playing. There is the same passion and dedication but he has lost fitness. his body isn’t supporting him. His ineffectiveness in the Test is a clear indication, I think, that he could have difficulties in the future. First Virat, Rohit and Ashwin left. Now, I think fans should get used to seeing India without Bumrah,” Kaif claimed.
There has been a significant drop in Bumrah’s speed. For someone who consistently bowls around 138-142, in the Manchester Test, he hasn’t delivered one ball that was faster than 140. This doesn’t happen. And it’s not a one-off. This has been a trend in the ongoing series.
