Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives a tight slap to Jasprit Bumrah's haters

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar backed Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to play only three of the five Tests in England. Bhuvneshwar stated that Bumrah has a unique bowling action that increases the risk of injury, adding that the selectors had no issue with the decision.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests against England before the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He played three matches, and the series concluded in a 2-2 draw. However, his workload management has sparked ongoing debates.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Backs Jasprit Bumrah’s Decision to Play Only Three Tests in England

Speaking on the YouTube show Talk with Manvendra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that Jasprit Bumrah is more prone to injuries because of his bowling action. Kumar added that Bumrah can make a significant impact in the matches he plays.

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“Look, considering how many years Jasprit Bumrah has been playing and competing in all formats, it is tough for anyone to sustain that. And with the kind of bowling action Bumrah has, injuries can happen to him or to anyone," Kumar said.

"I had no problem with him playing three out of five matches. The selectors were okay with him playing three out of five matches, it is because they know what he can provide even in those three games. I think if the team knows that a player might not play all five matches but will still contribute significantly in three, that should be okay.”

People Don’t Always Understand How Tough It Is - Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that playing all formats brings both mental and physical strain, adding that workload management is essential to prolong a career. He stated that experience has given Jasprit Bumrah greater confidence and composure, helping him deal with setbacks maturely.

"People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats. Bumrah is always bowling in tough situations, which brings both mental and physical pressure. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage them somehow."

Reflecting on Bumrah’s rise, Bhuvneshwar added: "When he first came in, everyone could see there was something special. Skill-wise, nothing has changed; he was as good back then as he is now. But with years of performance comes confidence. Once you are established, you don’t panic if things go wrong. That maturity comes with age."

Jasprit Bumrah Set to Feature in India’s 2025 Asia Cup Squad

Jasprit Bumrah has played 207 matches for India across formats, taking 457 wickets at an average of 20.63, including 17 five-wicket hauls. In Tests, the fast bowler has picked up 219 wickets from 48 matches.

Bumrah bowled 119.4 overs across five innings in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, claiming 14 wickets in three matches at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 51.28. Notably, he took two five-wicket hauls, but India ended up losing both of those matches.

Bumrah is set to return to India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. India will open their campaign against the UAE in Dubai on September 10. They will face Pakistan at the same venue on September 14 and Oman in Abu Dhabi.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir Not Alone!! 2 Indian Players Conspired Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's Retirements