Former Team India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has emphasized the need for a strategic approach in managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, suggesting that the injury-prone pacer should be used in carefully planned “surgical strikes” due to his recurring fitness concerns. Bumrah’s workload has been a key focus in the England-India Test series.
Jasprit Bumrah has often been sidelined by injuries throughout his otherwise remarkable career. As part of his management plan, he is expected to feature in only three of the five Tests in England—a decision that has faced criticism from some former cricketers, who argue that Bumrah should play whenever he is fully fit.
Speaking to the Indian Express ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, Soham Desai shared his perspective on the best way to manage Bumrah’s participation.
“Bumrah is an asset and needs to be handled smartly. A small team needs to handle him, prepare him for surgical strikes a few times a year and be smart around him at other times. I have been with him since 2014, when he was on RTP from his ACL injury, from his Gujarat Ranji Trophy days.”
He further added:
“He is special, a gifted guy who has worked immensely to become one of a kind. To manage guys like him we need a cohesive, collective and collaborative approach with a long-term vision driving the decisions, and ideally with great consistency in personnel around him.”
Soham Desai Reveals How Mohammed Siraj Was Left Devastated And Demotivated
Soham Desai revealed that Mohammed Siraj was deeply disappointed after being dropped from India’s white-ball squad ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, Desai credited his strong bond with Siraj for helping the pacer stay motivated and fit for future opportunities.
“Whether they are prepping for an ongoing series or they are in the loop to be featured in the upcoming one, they need to be on a plan to be fully ready. This happens round the year. Siraj had a tough start to the year. He was devastated and unmotivated. In these moments, the relationship built over the years comes into play.”
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