India has witnessed a masterclass in fast bowling during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jasprit Bumrah’s performances have been nothing short of magical. With 30 wickets at an average of 12.83, he has shouldered the team’s bowling attack almost single-handedly. But does this heavy reliance on Bumrah put him at risk of burnout, especially given his increased workload compared to other bowlers.
Bumrah’s Unparalleled Consistency
Bumrah’s impeccable line, length, and sheer pace have set him apart. Across the four Test matches, his ability to deliver in crunch situations highlights why he’s often considered one of the best in modern-day cricket. Bumrah’s 53.2 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) mark the most he’s bowled in a Test, bringing his total for the series to a whopping 141.2 overs. Comparatively, Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, along with India’s Mohammed Siraj, trail behind him in workload.
Rohit Sharma’s Cautious Approach
When asked about Bumrah’s extensive workload, captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the risks. Rohit said, “To be honest, he has bowled a lot of overs. There is no doubt about it. But again, every Test match we play, we keep that in mind. You know, the workloads of all the bowlers in fact. But again, if somebody is in such a great form, you want to try and maximise that form how much ever you can. And that is what we’ve been trying to do with Bumrah.”
Bumrah’s relentless spells raise questions about how much a fast bowler’s body can endure. Overworking him in the short term might compromise his longevity in international cricket.
Rohit added, “But there comes a time where you need to step back a little bit and give him that little bit of extra breather as well. So, we’ve been very careful. I’ve been very careful. I talk to him about how he feels and stuff like that. So, yeah. Those things should be managed carefully. And I’m trying to do that on the field.”
Supporting Cast: Struggles and Opportunities
Mohammed Siraj’s Unseen Contributions
While Siraj has been impactful with 16 wickets at an average of 13, the wickets column doesn’t reflect the toil and grit he brings to the attack. His ability to bowl long, tireless spells complements Bumrah, even if luck hasn’t always been on his side.
Rohit said, “It’s just that they’ve been very unfortunate not to be seen on the wicket column. Siraj, especially, is bowling his heart out. I don’t think there’s anything else that he can do. Obviously, there are technical aspects of his game that he’s looking into. But other than that, in terms of his effort, his attitude, bowling those long spells, he’s always up there. It’s just that the wicket column doesn’t show how well he’s bowled.”
Akash Deep’s Unlucky Run
Akash Deep, though promising, has struggled to make a mark with only five wickets at 54. Rohit’s remarks underline his contributions beyond statistics, acknowledging his consistent efforts.
Rohit added, “So is Akash. In Brisbane and here, in both the games, he’s bowled really well. It’s just unfortunate that he couldn’t get the wickets under his name. It’s just everyone’s job to make sure that whoever plays needs to get the job done for the team. It’s not about one or two individuals.”
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Balancing Act
Despite shining with the bat, Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled just 35 overs in the last four Tests. While his maiden Test century adds depth to India’s batting, his bowling contributions remain an area to explore further.
Rohit concluded, “When we saw him [Reddy] for the first time, we saw there’s a lot of potential, which is why he came here in the first place. And he’s come and shown here what he’s capable of. You know, with the bat, he was brilliant. He understood the situation pretty well, read the situation pretty well. And he’s got solid technique as well. And superb mind, not to forget.”
Bumrah’s exceptional spells have garnered admiration worldwide, but concerns about his physical and mental health remain a hot topic among fans and analysts.
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