Sanjay Manjrekar, former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator, has confidently dismissed concerns about the workload of India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, during the ongoing Test series against Australia. Bumrah, who has been in sensational form, taking 12 wickets across two matches at an impressive average of 11.25 and an economy rate of 2.50, has been the standout fast bowler of the series thus far. His clinical performances have been crucial to India’s efforts in the series, but recent incidents involving a potential injury scare during the second Test have sparked worries about his workload and fitness.
During the second Test, Bumrah experienced a scare when he pulled his adductor muscle while bowling in the Australian innings. This led to some concerns about his ability to continue playing, particularly given his demanding role as India’s lead pacer. However, much to the relief of his fans and team management, Bumrah showed resilience by continuing his spell after being attended to by the team’s physiotherapist. Later, Bumrah looked visibly fatigued, as his speed dipped into the low 120s during the second innings, with just one over bowled. This triggered further concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of an entire five-match Test series.
Despite the injury scare and a slight dip in his performance, Sanjay Manjrekar firmly believes that Bumrah should be fielded in all five matches of the series. He attributed this to the fact that Indian cricket has managed Bumrah’s workload carefully, ensuring that he is fresh and ready for crucial series like this one. Manjrekar explained that over the past three years, Bumrah has participated in just 34% of India’s international matches, which is significantly lower than the average participation rate of a regular fast bowler. In Manjrekar’s eyes, this makes Bumrah extremely well-rested and physically prepared for demanding series such as this one.
India has played 165 international matches since the year 2022, and Bumrah has only appeared in 47 of them, a relatively small proportion of games. This also includes a significant spell of over 10 months during which Bumrah was sidelined due to a back stress fracture. This long break from cricket has allowed the bowler to recover physically, keeping him fresh and free from burnout. Moreover, despite being one of India’s most important players, Bumrah has not been overburdened with frequent appearances, which has contributed to his ability to perform at a high level when called upon.
Manjrekar’s rationale is based on the numbers. Since 2022, Bumrah has featured in 17 out of 28 Test matches played by India, accounting for 60% of the Tests. This number is notably lower than what would be expected from a bowler who is integral to the team’s strategy, further highlighting that Bumrah has been managed well by the team. Manjrekar stressed that Bumrah’s ability to play all five Tests in the current series is entirely feasible, considering the limited number of games he has played over the last few years. Bumrah’s fitness and performance levels, according to Manjrekar, suggest that he is more than capable of maintaining his workload throughout the series.
Despite Bumrah’s current fitness and performance levels, there remains some caution about his long-term well-being. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship on the horizon, Indian team management is likely to keep an eye on Bumrah’s workload to avoid any risk of injury in the future. But for now, with Bumrah being in peak physical condition, Manjrekar feels that he should play in all five matches of the ongoing Test series.
Manjrekar also highlighted that the time to rest Bumrah is during bilateral series, which often lack the significance and long-term impact of high-stakes tournaments such as the Ashes or a World Cup. He suggested that Bumrah could be rested for series against smaller teams, where the competition is less intense and the team can afford to manage his workload without jeopardizing the outcome of the series. This approach would ensure that Bumrah is fully ready for the most crucial assignments, such as series against major teams and the upcoming global tournaments.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s stance on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management underscores a balanced approach to utilizing the pacer in critical series while also keeping an eye on his long-term health and fitness. Bumrah’s relative inactivity over the last few years, due to both injury and careful management by the Indian cricket team, makes him ready for the challenges of a multi-match series like the ongoing one against Australia. Bumrah’s brilliance on the field and India’s careful handling of his workload prove that he is a player to rely on, with a bright future ahead. As the series progresses, Bumrah’s performance will undoubtedly continue to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the Test matches, but for now, the focus remains on his well-being and his contribution to India’s pursuit of victory.
