Mumbai, Apr 28: Former India coach Ravi Shastri has explained how the Indian team management can manage the workload of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the five-match Test series in England.Notably, Bumrah produced his best bowling performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 before a back injury ruled him out of the England tour of India and Champions Trophy. The star Indian pacer took 32 wickets in the five Tests against Australia, but the Pat Cummins-led side won the BGT.
Bumrah appears to have rediscovered his rhythm in the IPL following an injury that sidelined him during the final match of the Border-Gavaskar series.
Shastri highlighted the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload during India’s visit to England. “I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah],” Shastri said while speaking in The ICC Review.
“I would give him two Test matches at a time and then wait for the break. Ideally, make him play four. You’ll be tempted to make him play five if he starts off in a great manner, but it’s how his body pulls up. He should be given the first opportunity to say, ‘Yes, a little, [I am] feeling the niggle. A break would help.’ Give him that break.”
Shastri also feels India’s fit-again pace trio will pose difficulties for England’s batters in the five-match series, which begins in June. The series will kick off the new ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27, with India coming off a Champions Trophy victory.