“We want him to play all Tests”: Rohit Sharma on Managing Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload

Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly the cornerstone of India’s Test bowling attack. With his ability to deliver in clutch moments, Bumrah has solidified his place as one of the most reliable pacers in the world. But the ongoing Test series against Australia has put his endurance to the test. Managing his workload effectively is vital to India’s success in this five-match series.

Bumrah’s Performance So Far

Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball has been a highlight of the series. His 12 wickets so far have come at a stunning average of just 11.25. From generating pace to extracting swing on challenging Australian pitches, Bumrah has been instrumental in keeping India in the hunt.

However, the sight of Bumrah clutching his adductor during the Adelaide Test was a cause for concern. Even though he shrugged off the discomfort and bowled four more overs, the episode underscored his critical importance to India’s campaign.

Rohit Sharma’s Perspective on Workload Management

Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, has been vocal about the need to manage Bumrah’s workload. Regular check-ins with the pacer ensure he’s not overburdened. “We ask him how his body feels after every spell,” Rohit explained, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bumrah for key moments.

Bumrah is not a one-man army. Rohit has stressed the role of other bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and newcomers in sharing the workload. This balanced approach aims to prevent burnout while keeping the bowling unit sharp.

Rohit said, “Because it’s a five-match series, as you said. And in a five-match series, we want Bumrah to play all the matches and remain fresh. So, it becomes important to analyse all this when you are playing a Test match in which the bowler is bowling… how much workload is there? How much is not there? It becomes important to manage all this.”

The Challenges of a Five-Match Test Series

A five-match Test series is a marathon, not a sprint. Bowlers face grueling physical demands, while mental fatigue can also set in. That’s why the support staff, including physios and trainers, play a pivotal role in keeping the team ready.

Rohit added, “So, as I said, we have doctors, physios, and trainers. We regularly see which bowler how much gas has, how much fuel, how long he can go, how much he can’t go. So, we talk about all this. And see, we are not just playing with one bowler. There are other bowlers also who will have to take responsibility and work for the team. And whether it’s [Mohammed] Siraj, Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy, Akash Deep or Prasidh [Krishna].”

The Role of Other Bowlers in the Squad

Mohammed Siraj has stepped up as a reliable second pacer. His consistent performances add depth to India’s attack, easing the pressure on Bumrah. Bowlers like Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna bring fresh energy to the squad. Grooming them for the big stage ensures India remains competitive in the long run.

Rohit explained, “These people have just joined Test Cricket. It’s important to give them confidence. Whenever they play a match, it’s important to give them confidence. So, keeping all this in mind, the planning that we do, how to bowl to whom, how much to bowl, we keep planning and discussing. But you can’t expect that Bumrah will bowl from both ends from morning to evening. So, it’s very important for bowlers to manage. And we discuss all this with each other, discuss with the bowler and then take the decision.”

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