The cricket world witnessed an unexpected exchange this week between former India batter Mohammad Kaif and star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Kaif had shared his observations on Bumrah’s bowling pattern during the Asia Cup 2025, which did not sit well with Bumrah. What began as a simple observation has now become a trending topic of debate on social media, with both Kaif and Bumrah publicly defending their viewpoints.
The issue started a day earlier when Kaif pointed out that, under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, Bumrah had been bowling three overs during the powerplay — something he didn’t do when Rohit Sharma was captain.
“Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, and 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 wrote on X.
Bumrah quickly issued a sharp response, stating: “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.” His reply went viral instantly.
Kaif then offered a clarification: “Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer. You are Indian cricket’s biggest match-winner, and I know what it takes to give it your all when on the field wearing India colours,” he posted on X.
Earlier this year, Kaif had also suggested that Bumrah might retire early from Test cricket due to injury concerns — a comment that also sparked debate at the time.
Bumrah has taken five wickets in four Asia Cup matches so far. Once the tournament concludes, he is set to play in the two-match Test series at home against the West Indies.
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