World-Renowned Former Indian Bowling Coach, Bharat Arun, Defends Jasprit Bumrah Amid Accusations of Overworking
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has defended Jasprit Bumrah's limited appearances in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, citing workload management and injury concerns.
Bumrah, known for his exceptional skill and resilience, played only three out of five Tests during the series, a strategy aimed at preserving his physical condition and prolonging his career longevity.
Historically, Bumrah has faced injury challenges, necessitating careful scheduling of his appearances to avoid burnout. This season, his selective play was part of a deliberate workload management plan, in line with past practices by India’s management to protect key pacers.
During the series, Mohammad Siraj took a significant bowling workload, allowing Bumrah to rest without compromising team performance. This workload balancing reflects a broader strategy in international cricket to manage the physical toll on fast bowlers given their injury susceptibility and the demands of a packed schedule.
Experts, including former players like Aakash Chopra, support this approach, emphasizing Bumrah’s unique skill set and the need to allow him to "pick and choose" matches to maintain peak fitness and avoid premature retirement.
Bumrah's injury history and recent return from surgery are factors influencing his potential exclusion from the T20 Asia Cup 2025. However, Arun emphasized the need to be understanding about the challenges Bumrah faces in playing for India due to his back issues.
Despite playing in only three Tests, Bumrah delivered commendable performances, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls.
In the past, Bumrah had to leave the field mid-spell due to a back injury during the final Test in Sydney, which resulted in India losing the series 1-3. Some former players and fans criticized Bumrah, particularly noting that India didn't win any of the Tests he played in.
Arun clarified that the decision to limit Bumrah's participation was not "picking and choosing" but a precautionary measure due to Bumrah's injury history. He also highlighted Bumrah's effort in playing for India despite his back issues as a great feat.
Arun also emphasized the seriousness of Bumrah's back issues following a surgery. He stated that the surgery did not guarantee Bumrah's long-term health and that his back issues are more complex.
The selectors' decision regarding Bumrah's participation in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies has not been reported. However, it is likely that they will prioritize Bumrah's fitness over short-term gains, such as participation in the T20 Asia Cup.
References:
- ESPNcricinfo
- Cricbuzz
- Sportskeeda
- NDTV Sports
Sports management played a crucial role during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as Bharat Arun, former India bowling coach, defended Jasprit Bumrah's limited appearances due to workload management and injury concerns. This strategy was aimed at preserving his longevity in sports by avoiding burnout and injury relapses.
