Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star bowler, is set to make his highly anticipated return to international cricket after a long stint on the sidelines due to back injuries. In a recent interview, legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath emphasized the importance of workload management in prolonging Bumrah’s career and preventing further injuries.
Bumrah’s injury struggles began in 2022 when he was ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a severe back stress fracture. This setback left a void in the Indian team, as Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world, particularly known for his accuracy and skill in the death overs. The following year, he also missed the IPL and underwent successful surgery in New Zealand to address his recurring back issues.
Fortunately, Bumrah’s road to recovery has been promising. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff, led by former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman, has been impressed with Bumrah’s progress during practice games. As a result, he has been selected not only for the upcoming three-match T20I series in Ireland but also as the captain of the Indian squad—a remarkable achievement considering his recent injury struggles.
Glenn McGrath, while acknowledging Bumrah’s exceptional talent and unique bowling approach, emphasized the need for him to manage his workload effectively to ensure a long and successful career in international cricket. McGrath highlighted the physical demands placed on fast bowlers, particularly in today’s cricket landscape with its packed global schedule and the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 tournaments.
McGrath cited examples of renowned fast bowlers like James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Courtney Walsh, who were able to sustain their careers by effectively managing their bodies and workload. He also attributed his own success to his rigorous fitness routine and easy bowling action, which aided his comeback from injuries over the years.
Bumrah’s return to action comes as welcome news for the Indian team management, which has been grappling with various injury concerns ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. With his expected fitness and readiness, Bumrah is likely to play a crucial role in India’s campaign starting on October 5.
In summary, the return of Jasprit Bumrah to international cricket is eagerly anticipated by fans and the Indian team alike. The concerns over his injury-prone nature have prompted the legendary Glenn McGrath to stress the importance of workload management for Bumrah’s longevity in the sport. As Bumrah prepares for his comeback, Indian cricket enthusiasts hope to witness more of his extraordinary talent and match-winning contributions on the field.
