Jasprit Bumrah all set to quit Test cricket? 'White-ball specialist' fears emerge
Published - 11 Mar 2026, 04:13 PM | Updated - 11 Mar 2026, 04:16 PM
Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath expressed concerns about Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah following the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. McGrath said that Bumrah can become a white-ball specialist to manage his workload, adding that the fast bowler cannot play back-to-back Test matches.
The 32-year-old finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the recent T20 World Cup. He took 14 wickets at an incredible average of 12.42 and an economy of 6.21. The bowler was named the Player of the Final after destroying New Zealand. He had also won the Player of the Tournament award in 2024.
Playing Back-To-Back Test Matches Is Getting Tougher For Jasprit Bumrah - Glenn McGrath
Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, Glenn McGrath shared his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. The legendary fast bowler said that Bumrah has unique skills but questioned how long the veteran seamer can survive playing back-to-back Test matches.
"My concern, as he's a little bit older now, is that playing back-to-back Test matches is getting tougher for him. Is he going to just start focusing on white-ball cricket? That'll be a massive loss to Test cricket if he did. We might only see him rarely in Test matches, maybe against an Australia," McGrath said.
"Just how good is he. When he comes on, he looks completely different to every other fast bowler. Batters try to lineup every other bowler when they are set, but not him. What I like about Bumrah is how he bowls the really good Test match length successfully in T20s. His other variations are all brilliant as well. He is just a gun," he added.
Jasprit Bumrah Is Enhancing His Reputation - Damien Fleming
Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming hailed Jasprit Bumrah as an absolute freak who constantly keeps enhancing his global reputation. Fleming said that he was completely mesmerized by Bumrah's magical slower ball during the recent final match.
"That slower ball of his is like a curveball in Baseball. It's absolutely brilliant. You think with these great fast bowlers, when do they plateau? Bumrah, with each big tournament or big series, is enhancing his reputation. When will it ever stop? He is an absolute freak, Jasprit Bumrah," said Fleming (via the aforementioned source).
Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup
Jasprit Bumrah has been marred by serious injuries, forcing him to miss several Test matches last year. However, the Indian team management has managed his workload by selectively using him. He will focus on 50-over matches and Tests ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bumrah will next be seen in action playing for the Mumbai Indians. He will lead the bowling attack in the highly anticipated IPL 2026 season before the management finalizes a long-term plan.
Following the IPL, the national selection committee, VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, and Shubman Gill will discuss Bumrah's future workload. The core ODI pace-bowling pool will primarily comprise Bumrah alongside Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
Notably, the Men in Blue will play their next Test match against Afghanistan, which is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. They will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August.
Also read: Michael Vaughan brutally trolls South Africa as 'Stupidest team in T20 World Cup 2026'
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Jasprit Bumrah India National Cricket Team Glenn McGrath Damien Fleming Australia National Cricket Team ICC T20 World CupAbout the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
