Cricket pundit Mohammad Kaif has ignited a crucial debate surrounding Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management and his role in the team’s limited-overs strategy. Reflecting on the recent Asia Cup, Kaif observed a shift in Bumrah’s bowling pattern under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.
Traditionally, under Rohit Sharma, Bumrah would deliver key overs at various stages of the innings, including the crucial death overs. However, in the Asia Cup, he delivered a three-over spell upfront. Kaif suggested that while this might be Bumrah’s preference to avoid injury by bowling when warmed up, it significantly reduces his presence in the crucial slog overs. This change, he warned, could be detrimental for India against strong opposition in the upcoming World Cup.
Kaif elaborated on social media, stating, “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. One over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters, against stronger teams at World Cup, this could hurt India.”
Despite these tactical concerns, the national selectors have expressed full confidence in the pace spearhead. Jasprit Bumrah was officially named in India’s 15-member squad on Thursday for the two-Test home series against West Indies, scheduled to commence on October 2 in Ahmedabad. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah is “rested, fit, and eager to play both Tests” after an extended break following the England tour.
The squad announcement also brought several other notable changes. Devdutt Padikkal has replaced Karun Nair, with Agarkar explaining that Nair hadn’t fully capitalized on his past opportunities. Young talent Sai Sudharsan is expected to fill the vital No. 3 batting position, having impressed with his consistent performances. Ravindra Jadeja will take on the vice-captaincy duties in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is anticipated to make his return for the South Africa series in November.
Meanwhile, Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite years of touring with the squad, was left out of contention. The future of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami also remains uncertain, reportedly due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Test Squad for West Indies Series:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.