Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has responded in a measured manner after Jasprit Bumrah publicly criticized his earlier remark. The controversy began when Kaif commented on Bumrah bowling three overs upfront in the powerplay during the Asia Cup 2025, raising concerns about India’s death-over bowling. Kaif noted that under Rohit Sharma, Bumrah used to bowl one-over spells, but the strategy has shifted under captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Bumrah’s brief, pointed reply quickly went viral, prompting widespread reactions on social media. In response, Kaif clarified that his remarks were merely a “cricketing observation.” He also praised Bumrah, calling him “India cricket’s biggest match-winner.”
“Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer. You are India cricket's biggest match-winner, and I know what it takes to give it all when on the field wearing India colours,” Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
On Thursday, Kaif had pointed out that Bumrah’s three-over spells in the powerplay, aimed at avoiding injury, could leave India vulnerable in the death overs. “Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, 19. Under Surya, in the Asia Cup, he bowled a three-over spell at the start. To avoid injury, Bumrah these days prefers to bowl while his body is warmed up. One over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters; against stronger teams at the World Cup, this could hurt India,” Kaif had said.
Bumrah responded succinctly, writing, “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.” The pacer has played four matches in the Asia Cup, taking five wickets, and was recently named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.
Earlier this year, Bumrah had suffered a back spasm during the final Test against Australia in Sydney, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy. As a precaution, he played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. In July, Kaif had even suggested in a video that Bumrah’s body might force him to retire from Test cricket in the future.
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Former India star responds after Jasprit Bumrah hits back over 'injury' comment
, Kaif clarified that his remarks were merely a “cricketing observation.” He also praised Bumrah, calling him “India cricket’s biggest match-winner.”
Jasprit Bumrah Photograph: (AP)
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has responded in a measured manner after Jasprit Bumrah publicly criticized his earlier remark. The controversy began when Kaif commented on Bumrah bowling three overs upfront in the powerplay during the Asia Cup 2025, raising concerns about India’s death-over bowling. Kaif noted that under Rohit Sharma, Bumrah used to bowl one-over spells, but the strategy has shifted under captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Bumrah’s brief, pointed reply quickly went viral, prompting widespread reactions on social media. In response, Kaif clarified that his remarks were merely a “cricketing observation.” He also praised Bumrah, calling him “India cricket’s biggest match-winner.”
“Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer. You are India cricket's biggest match-winner, and I know what it takes to give it all when on the field wearing India colours,” Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
On Thursday, Kaif had pointed out that Bumrah’s three-over spells in the powerplay, aimed at avoiding injury, could leave India vulnerable in the death overs. “Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, 19. Under Surya, in the Asia Cup, he bowled a three-over spell at the start. To avoid injury, Bumrah these days prefers to bowl while his body is warmed up. One over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters; against stronger teams at the World Cup, this could hurt India,” Kaif had said.
Bumrah responded succinctly, writing, “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.” The pacer has played four matches in the Asia Cup, taking five wickets, and was recently named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.
Earlier this year, Bumrah had suffered a back spasm during the final Test against Australia in Sydney, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy. As a precaution, he played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. In July, Kaif had even suggested in a video that Bumrah’s body might force him to retire from Test cricket in the future.