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As India gear up for a demanding five match Test series in England, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of the Indian pace attack. Bumrah’s remarkable performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled more balls per innings than any other bowler, underlined his value but also exposed the risks of over-reliance. His subsequent back spasm and absence on the final day in Sydney proved costly for India, reigniting the debate on how best to manage his workload. Ravichandran Ashwin, renowned for his analytical approach to the game, has made an urgent appeal to India’s new leadership: rely on science and technology, not gut feeling, to ensure Bumrah’s longevity and effectiveness.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s plea to Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to apply scientific temper
Ashwin’s message is clear—India can no longer afford to base Bumrah’s workload management on intuition or subjective judgment. Reflecting on Bumrah’s breakdown in Australia, Ashwin argued that such incidents are avoidable with the right use of sports science.
“We haven’t really made use of sports science and technology when it comes to Bumrah,” Ashwin stated on Rev sports, emphasizing that waiting until a player complains of fatigue is too late.
He advocates for a data-driven approach: daily monitoring of Bumrah’s physical parameters during training and matches. By tracking metrics such as running speed, body stress markers, and recovery rates, the support staff can gain objective insights into Bumrah’s readiness. This scientific vigilance, combined with honest feedback from Bumrah himself, would allow for near-perfect workload assessments—deciding not arbitrarily whether he should play two, three, or four Tests, but making informed decisions based on real-time data.
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Beyond Jasprit Bumrah: Building a sustainable bowling arsenal
The challenge for captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir is twofold: protect their premier fast bowler and maintain a competitive edge throughout the series. Both leaders have acknowledged the uncertainty around how many Tests Bumrah will play, stressing the depth in India’s pace battery and the opportunity for others to step up when Bumrah is rested. Former bowling coach Bharat Arun has also highlighted the importance of reducing Bumrah’s practice workload and relying on robust support from other bowlers to keep him fresh for match days.
Bumrah’s statistics in England—37 wickets in 9 Tests at an average of 26.27—underscore his match-winning prowess. Yet, the physical toll is undeniable; in the BGT 2024/25, he bowled 100.8 balls per innings, the highest among all bowlers, and his injury in Sydney was a stark reminder of the consequences of mismanagement. As India transition into a new era with Gill at the helm, the team’s ability to blend science with strategy will be crucial in maximizing Bumrah’s impact without risking his fitness.
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