India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of India’s pace attack across formats. However, with an ever-increasing workload and frequent injuries in recent years, several former cricketers and experts have come forward urging the BCCI to manage his schedule carefully. The latest call is for India to rest Bumrah for home Test matches and prioritize his participation in white-ball cricket, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy on the horizon.
Why The Concern Over Bumrah’s Workload?
Bumrah has been prone to stress-related injuries, especially in the back and lower body. His unorthodox action and relentless pace make him more susceptible to breakdowns if overused. While his presence in high-stakes Test matches overseas is crucial, several experts feel that home Test series — especially against weaker oppositions — do not require Bumrah’s involvement.
Former India cricketer and now commentator, Aakash Chopra, recently remarked,
“Jasprit Bumrah is a rare gem. India must preserve him. With the rise of young pacers, India can afford to rest him in home Tests and let him focus on white-ball formats where his impact is game-changing.”
White-Ball Formats: Bumrah’s Domain of Domination
In white-ball cricket, Bumrah remains one of the most feared bowlers across the globe. His pin-point yorkers, death-over mastery, and powerplay control have made him indispensable in both ODIs and T20Is. With major tournaments lined up, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026, India’s management might be forced to rethink how they use their star bowler.
Analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed similar sentiments, saying:
“You can’t risk losing Bumrah months before a world tournament due to overwork. India has enough depth in pace to rotate in Tests. But in white-ball cricket, he is irreplaceable.”
India’s Home Test Dominance Without Bumrah
India has an exceptional home record in Test matches, even in the absence of Bumrah. The pitches in India often assist spin, reducing the reliance on fast bowlers. Names like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Shardul Thakur, and Akash Deep can fill the gap in pace, while Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav handle spin duties.
This depth gives the team the luxury to rotate pacers, especially Bumrah, who is more needed in conditions abroad or in white-ball crunch games.
Injury History Forces Rethink
Bumrah’s injury struggles between 2022 and early 2024 saw him miss crucial assignments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 IPL. The BCCI has since implemented load management policies, but calls for even more cautious planning have gained momentum.
If India wants a fully fit and firing Bumrah for major ICC events, especially white-ball tournaments that generate huge viewership and commercial value, workload reduction seems inevitable.
What Could Be The Ideal Approach?
Experts have proposed a roadmap for Bumrah’s international appearances:
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- Play all overseas Test matches
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- Skip most home Test matches
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- Prioritize ODIs and T20Is before major ICC tournaments
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- Avoid back-to-back multi-format series
This would ensure that Bumrah stays in rhythm, avoids burnout, and is available at full capacity when the team needs him the most.
Conclusion
The call to rest Jasprit Bumrah from home Tests isn’t a demotion of red-ball cricket. Instead, it is a strategic move to ensure India’s most lethal weapon stays fit and match-ready for high-pressure white-ball games and global tournaments. With plenty of bowling options and rising talent in the Test arena, the time might be right for India to protect their pace ace and extend his career.
