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"Tough To Sustain": Bhuvneshwar Stands Tall With Jasprit Bumrah's Call To Play 3 Tests

Akshita Patel

Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes out in support of Jasprit Bumrah [Source: AFP Photos]Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes out in support of Jasprit Bumrah [Source: AFP Photos]

India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been at the centre of debate after he chose to play only 3 of the 5 Tests in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. While some questioned his decision, Bumrah has now found strong support from fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. 

Bumrah, currently the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, featured in the first, third, and fourth Tests of the series. In those three matches, he bowled 119.4 overs, claimed 14 wickets, and delivered two memorable five-wicket hauls. However, both of those standout performances came in matches that India lost.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Deems Jasprit Bumrah’s Action Unsustainable

Speaking on the ‘Talk with Manvendra’ podcast, India’s veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar supported Jasprit Bumrah wholeheartedly. He said that he understood why Bumrah opted to skip two Tests since his action doesn’t allow his body to sustain the workload.

“With the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him or to anyone. Considering how many years Bumrah has been playing & competing in all formats, it is tough for anyone to sustain that. I had no problem with him playing 3 out of 5 matches.  If the selectors know what he can offer & are okay with it, it’s because they know he can still make a big impact in those 3 games," Kumar said.

He added that it’s important to look at the bigger picture, given how Bumrah has been playing all 3 formats for a while now. Bhuvneshwar himself has gone through the issue of workload management as a fast bowler, especially in the longer format. 

"If a player might not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay. People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats," he added.

He feels the physical intensity and the mental strain of playing in each match necessitate the bowlers to choose battles wisely.

BCCI Likely To Scrutinise Bumrah’s Workload Plan

According to TOI, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management policy is set to come under review by the BCCI after the England tour. The pacer was restricted to three Tests during the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to safeguard him from injury, given his unique bowling action and past back stress fracture. 

While Bumrah impressed with 14 wickets in three matches, his unavailability in crunch matches has been a cause of concern. As per reports, the BCCI may tweak the policy to only select him if he is available for the full series, aiming for better planning and consistency in India’s Test campaigns.