Injury-Prone Bumrah Needs Careful Workload Management, Says Bishop


image-leo2d0cyBumrah has been ruled out of the IPL [Twitter]

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has opined that India's ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, ought to have his workload managed more effectively in order to maintain his form and fitness. Speaking about the bowler’s recent struggle with injuries, the West Indies veteran asserted that it is imperative to allow the player to skip certain matches and tours to ensure that he stays in top form.

Bumrah has not been able to feature for India since late September 2022 due to a back injury. His absence was also felt during the T20 World Cup, where he was unable to participate. Additionally, the Indian bowling mainstay was not included in India's squad for the final two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 against Australia.

As the Mumbai Indian speedster has been out of action for nearly five months, there are concerns that he may not be able to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 or the World Test Championship final in case India qualifies.

Bishop, who represented the West Indies in 43 Tests and 84 ODI matches, emphasized that managing Bumrah's workload is crucial given his importance to the Indian cricket team. While speaking to journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator stated that the star bowler's exceptional bowling ability and match-winning performances make him a valuable asset for the country.

The 55-year-old recommended that the Ahmedabad-born cricketer should consider taking cues from Mitchell Starc, who frequently takes extended breaks from franchise cricket to maintain his fitness and avoid injury.

Bishop underscored that it is unrealistic to expect fast bowlers to play continuously across all formats. He drew upon his personal experience, noting that he had also struggled with back issues while playing two formats.

The West Indies legend suggested that selecting and prioritizing important tournaments and matches for each player is necessary to maintain their longevity in the sport. He elaborated that Starc, who manages his workload efficiently by taking time off and skipping certain tournaments, is a prime example for other bowlers to follow.