New Delhi:
As debate rages over Jasprit Bumrah’s reduced workload in the upcoming Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has strongly backed the team management’s decision to rest the star bowler for two of the five Tests against England.
Speaking on the podcast Talk with Manvendra, Bhuvneshwar emphasised the immense physical and mental toll of fast bowling at the highest level particularly for someone with Bumrah’s unique action.
“Considering how many years Jasprit Bumrah has been playing and competing in all formats, it is tough for anyone to sustain that. And with the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him or to anyone,” Bhuvneshwar said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has come in support of Jasprit Bumrah, who recently faced backlash for prioritizing his body for workload management. pic.twitter.com/LUfb9LJUoJ
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) August 15, 2025
Impact Over Quantity
Bhuvneshwar argued that the number of matches played should not be the sole measure of a player’s contribution.
“I had no problem with him playing three out of five matches. If the selectors know what he can offer and are okay with it, it’s because they know he can still make a big impact in those three games. If a player might not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay,” he explained.
Pressure and Longevity
As India’s most dependable bowler across formats, Bumrah operates under constant scrutiny and expectation. Bhuvneshwar pointed out that the demands go beyond the physical.
“People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats. Bumrah is always bowling in tough situations, which brings both mental and physical pressure. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage them somehow,” said the 34-year-old seamer, who played alongside Bumrah in his early international years.
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Proving the Point
The decision to manage Bumrah’s workload paid off handsomely. In the three Tests he played against England, the 31-year-old took 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, underlining his match-winning ability even with a lighter schedule.
From Prodigy to Pillar
Reflecting on Bumrah’s rise, Bhuvneshwar recalled his early days in the Indian setup:
“When he first came in, everyone could see there was something special. Skill-wise, nothing has changed he was as good back then as he is now. But with years of performance comes confidence. Once you are established, you don’t panic if things go wrong. That maturity comes with age.”
With his latest performances, Bumrah has not only silenced critics of workload management but also reinforced his status as India’s most valuable pace asset in modern cricket.
