Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and workload management should be approached differently, especially during high-pressure match situations. In an exclusive conversation with Boria Majumdar on RevSportz, the former all-rounder explained why Bumrah is so crucial and how his use on the field can directly influence the outcome of a game.
Pathan began by praising Bumrah’s unmatched ability and variety with the ball.
“One thing is that a guy like Jasprit Bumrah is very unique. They are like treasure with the kind of skill they have. I was the first one to say that the kind of skill he has is the best skill we have ever had. If you talk about the history of Indian cricket, he is the guy who can bowl inswing, outswing, bouncer, dipping slow one, yorker with a new ball et cetera. He started with inswing. He is now doing outswing with a beautiful wrist position, and the kind of record he has is outstanding.”
Reflecting on the challenges Bumrah faces when injured, Pathan added: “Now, coming to the question, how difficult it is for a guy like Jasprit Bumrah to handle things when injured. I would say it is very difficult, and that is why the support system is there.”
Pathan recalls Bumrah’s recovery at NCA
Pathan also shared his experience of witnessing Bumrah’s careful recovery process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“I was at the NCA and was doing a coaching course for two weeks, and that time he was coming back from the back injury and I could see that his progression was very clear. He was bowling five overs one day, he would take a break the next day, and then he would come again and bowl for six overs,” he said.
“He’s very clear. The team is very clear in terms of recovery and the plan. So, proper process is in place before the game time starts. What I’m saying is that process is not for during the games. When Joe Root came, he bowled the five-over spell, which he generally does and he has gotten Joe Root out 11 times.”
Lord’s Test showed why Bumrah must be pushed in big moments
Pathan then referred to the recent Lord’s Test against England, where Bumrah’s limited spell made him question India’s approach.
“I’m talking about the Lord’s Test match and Joe Root and Ben Duckett had a partnership. It was very very important for captain Shubman Gill that his No. 1 bowler bowls 1-2 overs, because if he does that, there’s a high chance for him (Root) to get out to Bumrah, because he had done it before and could have done it again. It could also have been possible that he did not get the wicket even after bowling those two overs, but you must take the chances,” Pathan said.
“My thing was that, why not take chances and get restricted to those five overs? In the same game, Ben Stokes bowled a spell of nine overs on the fourth day, being an all-rounder. Jasprit Bumrah goes to fine leg so there is recovery in different areas. He gets proper space and I’m not raising a question on Bumrah’s attitude. No, I will not be a fool to do that, because he is someone who gives Test cricket priority, especially after the back injury, which a lot of other guys have not given.”
Workload must be managed between matches, not during them
Pathan concluded by stressing that workload restrictions during matches may hurt India’s chances.
“What I’m trying to say is once you are there on the field, it is like a war and you go all out. Now if Indian cricket decides that’s how they will manage him, then they can, but I don’tthink desired results will be received until and unless we push things at the time of importance like the Lord’s Test.
If we keep managing the workload during the game, and keep following the recovery structure, then how will we get the result? By all means, give every bit of importance to Jasprit Bumrah because there is not a second one like him, but workload management and recovery should be something to do between the Test matches when there was almost nine days of gap. When someone is playing three out of five Test matches, then restricting yourself within the spells as well will make things difficult for the team. I can guarantee that this won’t fetch desired result for the team,” Pathan concluded.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz