Mohammad Kaif has issued a response to Jasprit Bumrah after the latter called the former Indian batter out for ‘inaccurate’ comments.
Kaif’s assessment of Bumrah’s usage
On September 25, Kaif had posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) that Bumrah was bowling 3 overs in the powerplay in every Asia Cup 2025 match because his body isn’t where it should be.
“Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, 19. Under Surya, in Asia cup, he bowled a three-overs spell at the start. To avoid injury, Bumrah these days, prefers to bowl while his body is warmed up. 1 over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters, against stronger teams at World Cup, this could hurt India,” Kaif wrote.
Bumrah’s response
Bumrah took offence to this assessment, which insinuated that Team India’s strategy was made not for the team but for him. While it can’t be confirmed, it’s likely that Bumrah wasn’t pleased with the cricketer-turned-commentator.
In July, Kaif had shared his opinion regarding Bumrah’s workload management after he was rested for two Test matches against England. There, he’d said that the pacer would retire soon from Test cricket, as his body isn’t up for the rigours of red-ball cricket. Perhaps these comments are why Bumrah wrote, “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.”
Kaif clears the matter
Realising that his comments hurt Bumrah, Kaif has issued a clarification. The former Delhi Capitals coach stated that his assessment came from a positive place rather than a negative one. He considers Bumrah India’s greatest match-winner and isn’t trying to be critical of him for no good reason.
“Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer. You are Indian cricket’s biggest match-winner and I know what it takes to give it all when on field wearing India colours,” Kaif wrote.
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