After all sorts of ignorant takes by those that refuse to understand fast bowling or simply have no bandwidth to, it has fallen on a fellow fast bowler to explain why Jasprit Bumrah has all the freedom to pick and choose Tests, and that even in 3 Tests of his effort, the pace ace can make tremendous impact. Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he saw no problem in Bumrah picking three Tests to play in a series.
Speaking on a podcast with Manvendra, Bhuvneshwar, who is highly skilled himself and toured England twice in 2014 and 2018, said, “If you look at how many years Jasprit Bumrah has been bowling and the fact that he turns up in all three formats, it is tough for any bowler to last those rigours. And with the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him. Not just him, anyone,” he added on the podcast.
Saying he sees absolutely no issue with Bumrah picking a certain number of Tests to play, the former India star displayed wisdom and maturity lacking in several experts. “I see no problem with him playing just three out of five Tests. If the selectors are in the loop and aware of what he can offer and are okay with it, it’s justified because they know he can still make a big impact even in those three games,” he added.
Ingratitude has pervaded cricket after India returned with a 2-2 scoreline, and Indian batsmen and top order couldn’t quite chase even 193 at Lord’s despite Bumrah setting it up for them with a fifer. But what was a winnable Test was botched by the top order, and Bumrah and Md Siraj despite playing 50+ balls with Ravi Jadeja, couldn’t quite get to the target. India won the last Test, but after losing Lord’s and tying at Manchester, the best they could achieve was 2-2, which they heroically did at the Oval.
After the euphoria, knives were unsheathed and turned on Bumrah for not playing all 5 Tests. For a fast bowler (batsmen don’t quite need that level of fitness and can get by), preserving his fitness is an almighty task especially with his unique torque action that puts immense pressureon the spine. But critics had a field day pointing out he didn’t play the last Test at Oval, where the surface slightly supported bowlers and where Siraj bowled his 28 year old heart out. Bhuvi though noted that Bumrah tended to bowl in tougher conditions.
“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,” Bhuvneshwar said on the Talk podcast.
“If a player does not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay,” Bhuvi was left explaining to the thick ones.
