Jasprit Bumrah's Workload Management Crucial for Upcoming Test Series Against England

As India gears up for a pivotal Test series against England, the focus is on Jasprit Bumrah's workload management. With the absence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former bowling coach Bharat Arun emphasizes the importance of training adjustments to keep Bumrah fit. This series not only tests India's new leadership under Shubman Gill but also serves as a crucial moment for the team's future. Discover how Bumrah's performance and the support from fellow bowlers could shape the outcome of this high-stakes tour.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2025, 17:05 IST

India's Test Series Against England: A New Chapter

As India prepares to kick off a significant five-match Test series against England on June 20 in Leeds, the focus has shifted to Jasprit Bumrah's workload. Bharat Arun, the former bowling coach of India, recently shared insights on how effective management of Bumrah could enable him to participate in all five matches of this pivotal tour, marking a transformative phase for Indian Test cricket.

Arun's Insights on Training Management

In a discussion with a sports journalist, Arun pointed out that managing a player's workload is more about their training regimen than the number of overs bowled in matches. He stated, "Controlling the overs a bowler bowls in a game is not feasible, but we can certainly modify their practice routines. Reducing net bowling and emphasizing recovery through gym sessions or physiotherapy can help keep Bumrah fit throughout the series."

He cautioned that both excessive and insufficient bowling during practice could lead to injuries. Arun added, "If the supporting bowlers can share the load, Bumrah has the potential to play in all five Tests."

Bumrah's Impact on the Game

Bumrah has proven to be a pivotal player in red-ball cricket, having taken 205 wickets in 45 Tests at an impressive average of 19.40, including 13 five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/27. In contrast, the rest of India's current pace attack, which includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shardul Thakur, has collectively taken 159 wickets in 62 Tests.

Arun warned, "If Bumrah is overburdened without adequate support, he may struggle to last through the entire series. However, with strong contributions from his teammates, he can certainly participate in all five matches."

Bumrah's IPL Performance

After missing the first four matches of IPL 2025, Bumrah made a comeback for the Mumbai Indians, claiming 18 wickets in 12 games at an average of 17.55, playing a crucial role until their elimination in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.

Gambhir's Flexible Approach to Selection

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir also commented on Bumrah's selection during a pre-departure press briefing. He mentioned, "We haven't finalized which matches he will participate in. We'll consult with him and assess based on the series' progression. The decision will heavily rely on the series context and his physical condition."

A Series of Transition and High Stakes

This tour to England marks India's first bilateral Test series following the retirement of several key players. The matches will take place at historic venues such as Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s and The Oval (London), and Old Trafford (Manchester), spanning from June to August 2025.

The results of this series will be vital not only for India's position in the World Test Championship but also as a test for the next generation of leaders and players within the team.