'If you want him to have a long career...': Bhuvneshwar Kumar breaks silence on Jasprit Bumrah's workload debate
Star India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has backed Jasprit Bumrah , amid the ongoing debate around the star pacer's workload management. The team management's decision to only include Bumrah in three of the five Test matches ahead of the 2025 Anderson –Tendulkar Trophy match against England sparked intense discussion among cricket fans and former players alike.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar backed Bumrah amid workload discussions
While speaking on the podcast 'Talk with Manvendra', Bhuvneshwar supported the decision, highlighting the heavy physical and mental challenges that pacers have to endure.
'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,' he said.
Bhuvneshwar further pointed out that a player's impact isn't defined by the number of matches they play.
'I had no problem with him playing three out of five matches. If the selectors know what he can offer and are okay with it, it's because they know he can still make a big impact in those three games. If a player might not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay,' he explained.
Bhuvneshwar highlighted that Bumrah carries immense expectations
As India's most valuable player in all formats, Bumrah undoubtedly bears the weight of expectations from both the team's management and supporters.
'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,' Bhuvneshwar added
Bumrah picked 14 wickets in the three Test matches against England, which also included two five-wicket haul.
While reflecting on Bumrah's journey, Bhuvneshwar said, '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.'
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