Bhuvneshwar Kumar defends Bumrah’s workload management amid criticism

Senior fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has backed Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management strategy, stressing that many people do not fully understand the physical and mental demands on a pacer who must perform consistently across formats. His remarks come after several former cricketers criticised Bumrah for selectively playing in the five-Test series against England.

Before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy began, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had announced that Bumrah would feature in only three of the five Tests. However, the pacer drew criticism for missing the decisive fifth Test at The Oval. While Bumrah played three matches, India did not win any of those games.

Despite his absence, a young Indian team led by Shubman Gill pulled off a thrilling victory in the final Test, levelling the series 2–2. The win shifted focus to Bumrah’s workload plan, with some accusing him of not prioritising a high-stakes series.

In a recent interaction, Bhuvneshwar said it was unrealistic to expect Bumrah to play based on outside opinions.

“Bumrah has been competing in all formats for years, and sustaining that is tough for anyone,” he explained. “With his unique bowling action, injuries are always a possibility. I was fine with him playing only three matches. If the selectors are confident he can make an impact in those games, that should be acceptable. People don’t always realise how hard it is to keep going year after year. There’s constant pressure. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage him properly. I saw no issue.”

Former captains Mohammad Azharuddin and Dilip Vengsarkar were among Bumrah’s sharpest critics. Vengsarkar had said that the BCCI and Bumrah should have considered skipping the IPL rather than two Tests in such an important series.

In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Bumrah took 14 wickets in three matches, while Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the attack with 22 wickets across all five Tests, bowling without a break.

According to media reports, Bumrah is set to return for the Asia Cup T20 starting 9 September. His participation in India’s upcoming home Tests remains uncertain, with a two-Test series against the West Indies from 2 October and another against South Africa in November.