You Can't Play Jasprit Bumrah and Co. In Every Tournament: Ian Bishop

image-lgg6b6p2Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: Twitter]

The past few years have been rough on the Indian bowling unit, with several injuries to key players, notably Jasprit Bumrah. Apart from Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Deepak Chahar have visited the National Cricket Academy (NCA) last year for rehabilitation, denting India in several major tournaments.

Both Bumrah and Chahar missed India's T20 World Cup campaign last year. With the ICC World Cup 2023 due this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keeping a keen eye on the workload of Indian pacers who are participating in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. 

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has now opened up about Bumrah, who he feels should pick and choose matches/tournaments to feature in.


Bishop, who represented the Windies in 43 Tests and 84 ODIs, speaking to PTI, said that the workload of a bowler has to be managed in these demanding times, and thus Bumrah and Co. cannot feature for India in all competitions.

Here's what Bishop said

"I don't think there is any one recipe (to manage workload). Because we don't decide on the minds and bodies of these outstanding athletes. That decision has to be made by the individual and administrators close to him but I will throw one thing out for governing bodies, it is just an advice. You can't play these guys (Bumrah and Co.) in every tournament.

You want guys like Bumrah and Jofra playing at their best with cutting edge pace. That is what when they have great value. Be very meticulous and specific with when you want them to play." 

Interestingly, former West Indies great Michael Holding back in 2020, questioned about Bumrah's longevity given his unique action. 

The 55-year-old further stated that it is tough for Bumrah to change his bowling action now, however, did wish him a speedy return to cricket.