Jasprit Bumrah’s Return Remains Uncertain Amid Concerns Over Workload Management
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to competitive cricket remains uncertain as the star pacer continues his recovery from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January 2025. The injury, which forced him to miss India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign, has raised concerns about his workload management and long-term fitness. Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is expected to make his comeback in IPL 2025 for the Mumbai Indians, although no fixed return date has been announced.
Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond, who has worked closely with Bumrah at Mumbai Indians, emphasized the need for careful management of his bowling workload. Bond pointed out that Bumrah bowled over 150 overs across five Tests in Australia, including a record 53.2 overs in the MCG Test, which pushed him to the brink of a fracture. He warned that similar overuse during England’s five-Test series could lead to another breakdown, jeopardizing Bumrah’s availability for crucial tournaments such as T20 and 50-over World Cups.
While Bumrah’s absence wasn’t felt during India’s unbeaten Champions Trophy run, his presence will be vital for upcoming challenges against strong opponents like England. Managing his workload remains key to ensuring his longevity across formats.