With India set for a gruelling five-Test series in England, the spotlight and hope will once again be on one man – Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer was the heart of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) campaign earlier this year, bowling more than any other bowler in the series — 100.8 balls per innings, edging even Pat Cummins. But with that heavy workload came a breakdown — a back spasm that ruled him out of the final day in Sydney, where India lost both the match and the series.
What did Ashwin say on Bumrah’s workload management?
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking to RevSportz, came up with an interesting take, something that only brilliant minds like his can think of. Ashwin, who is known for his astute cricketing brain delivered a message that India can no longer afford to manage Bumrah based on feel or subjectivity. Using his analytical eye, Ashwin pointed out that Bumrah’s breakdown in Australia was avoidable and pointed out the need for science-backed decision-making.
“We haven’t really made use of sports science and technology when it comes to Bumrah,” Ashwin said. “In Australia also, it wasn’t until Melbourne that Jassi said he was tired. Thereafter, he broke down in Sydney.”
Ashwin believes workload management cannot rely on instinct or feel alone. “See, it is subjective to say he will play three Tests or four Tests. Why not two, and why not four? Now, we can measure everything, and then when you add to it how the player is feeling, you can come to a near-perfect assessment of where you stand with Jassi.”
He suggested daily monitoring of Bumrah’s training and match sessions: “Let me explain – you should measure his body parameters every day at training. Every single session should be monitored. And then, you should monitor him in matches as well. If you do it every day, you have clear markers how his body is, at what speed he is running in, and all that you need to know. Then, ask him how he is feeling and you will know clearly when to give him a break or when to slow down.”
Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs in BGT 2024/25, the most by any Indian bowler (when Bumrah was available). His 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 were phenomenal, but the physical toll was clear. Whenever India needed a wicket, Bumrah was the only option. His back gave out in Sydney, which, as Ashwin pointed out, cost India the match.
Jasprit Bumrah stats in England
- Matches: 9
- Wickets: 37
- Average: 26.27
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/64
- Five-wicket hauls: 2
Most balls bowled per innings at BGT 2024/25
| Player | Balls bowled per innings |
|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 100.8 |
| Pat Cummins | 100.2 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 94.3 |
| Mitchell Starc | 92 |
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