Mohammad Kaif begins Round 3 of firing at Jasprit Bumrah; weakness exposed

Former Team India batter Mohammad Kaif has expressed concerns over pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Bumrah has been regularly rested by the team management and often does not play consecutive matches.

Earlier this year, Bumrah experienced a back spasm during the final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which forced him to miss the Champions Trophy 2025. The right-arm pacer played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series against England as a precautionary measure.

I Was Not Happy About That - Mohammad Kaif

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that he was not happy with Jasprit Bumrah bowling three consecutive overs with the new ball. Kaif stated that this strategy may not be ideal, with Bumrah having only one over to bowl in the final 14 overs.

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"My concern is Jasprit Bumrah bowling three overs with the new ball. I had mentioned that, and my problem is that as an Indian fan, I have been a cricketer, but as a fan, in the context of the T20 World Cup. Bumrah has just one over remaining for the last 14 overs. So, I was not happy about that," Kaif said.

India will take on Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. He failed to take wickets in the Super Four clash, conceding 45 runs in his four overs. Notably, he had recorded 2/28 against Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan in the group stage match.

Jasprit Bumrah Keeps Getting Injured - Mohammad Kaif

Kaif warned that India’s approach to using Jasprit Bumrah in the same manner could jeopardize their chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also stated that Bumrah regularly misses matches due to injuries and needs rest to stay fully fit.

"He keeps getting injured and doesn't play all the matches continuously. He did not play the previous match as well. He is getting a chance to play while taking breaks, so he remains fully fit. It was in my mind that if Suryakumar Yadav continues using Bumrah this way, we will not win the T20 World Cup, take it in writing," Kaif added.

Jasprit Bumrah Is Not Able to Play Continuously - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif had previously voiced concerns on X about Jasprit Bumrah bowling three consecutive overs in the powerplay, stating that it was a strategy to manage the pacer’s fitness. However, Bumrah disagreed and replied, “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.”

The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that restricting a player’s freedom while ensuring fitness can be a difficult balance.

"I can understand that. I too have been a cricketer and have been in such situations. The guy is injured and is not able to play continuously. Like in England, he played three out of the five matches. When someone pulls the reins and doesn't give a free hand, it is a very difficult time for a player.

Bumrah has taken five wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 7.33, with best figures of 2/18 against Bangladesh. He played two group stage matches and was rested against Oman.

The pacer returned for the Super 4 clashes, including games against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bumrah was also rested for India’s last Super 4 match against Sri Lanka.

Also read: Arshdeep Singh IN, Shivam Dube OUT! India’s playing XI vs Pakistan for Asia Cup final announced