Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond advises India to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, warning that another back injury could end his career.
Shane Bond Cautions India on Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Management
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has cautioned the Indian team about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, stating that playing the premier pacer in more than two consecutive Tests could be detrimental, especially after his recent back injury.
Bumrah, who has been out of action since the New Year’s Test in Sydney, is rehabilitating at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Bond, who worked with Bumrah as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, emphasized the importance of a conservative approach to his return.
“When he went for scans in Sydney, I feared it was not just a sprain but a more serious stress-related injury,” Bond told ESPNcricinfo.
Since Bumrah underwent back surgery in March 2023, Bond believes another injury in the same spot could be a career-ender.
India’s five-Test series in England (June 28 – August 3) follows closely after the IPL 2025, making the transition from T20 to Tests a significant risk.
Bond highlighted the danger period for fast bowlers when moving from limited-overs formats to the grueling demands of Test cricket.
“Going from the IPL to a five-Test series is a huge jump in workload. In T20s, bowlers deliver 20 overs per week at most, whereas a Test demands up to 50+ overs per match.”
He insisted that India must carefully manage Bumrah’s workload in England.
“I would not want him playing more than two Tests in a row. He is too valuable, especially with the upcoming World Cup.”
Bond also stressed that Bumrah must be involved in discussions about his long-term fitness.
“Players want to play but must also understand the risks and make compromises. If he has another injury in the same spot, there might be no way back.”
With the IPL being Bumrah’s only competitive outing before the England tour, Bond suggested his participation might be touch-and-go, depending on his recovery progress.
However, the final decision will rest on BCCI’s medical team and selectors, who must weigh the risks carefully to protect one of India’s most valuable assets.
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