Indian captain Rohit Sharma has disclosed that they have been careful managing the bowling workload of Jasprit Bumrah during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Rohit’s comments came during a press conference following the conclusion of the fourth test in Melbourne on Monday.
Bumrah has been the best bowler in the BGT 2024-25 with 30 wickets at an exceptional average of 12.83. His fighting spirit and the ability to secure consistent breakthroughs in crunch situations have helped the visitors pose a serious threat to the Australian team.
The 31-year-old is also among the four players shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. He scalped 71 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 14.92, and was India’s biggest match-winner in the longest format.
Certainly, Jasprit Bumrah has displayed his endurance and stepped up in consistent intervals in BGT in pursuit of securing breakthroughs. Interestingly, Bumrah bowled 53.2 overs in the MCG fixture, which is the most he’s delivered in a Test match. Meanwhile, his combined workload of 141.2 overs is also the highest among the bowlers of both teams.
On being asked whether there is a risk of over-bowling Bumrah, Rohit admitted that the pacer has taken up much workload in the last four tests. But the 37-year-old feels that it’s also wise to use Bumrah’s sensational form to the fullest.
“Yeah, there is,” Rohit was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “To be honest, he has bowled a lot of overs. There is no doubt about it. But again, every Test match we play, we keep that in mind. You know, the workloads of all the bowlers in fact. But again, if somebody is in such a great form, you want to try and maximise that form how much ever you can. And that is what we’ve been trying to do with Bumrah.”
“But there comes a time where you need to step back a little bit and give him that little bit of extra breather as well. So, we’ve been very careful. I’ve been very careful. I talk to him about how he feels and stuff like that. So, yeah. Those things should be managed carefully. And I’m trying to do that on the field,” he added.
Pat Cummins terms Jasprit Bumrah as India’s most influential player
Australian captain Pat Cummins was named Player of the Match for picking six wickets and contributing 90 runs with the bat. His aggressive captaincy on the final day of the Boxing Day Test helped the side to secure a remarkable 184-run victory and secure a 2-1 lead going into the Sydney Test.
In the post-match press conference, Cummins was asked about Jasprit Bumrah’s greatness. He responded by praising Bumrah’s form and him making their life difficult in the BGT 2024-25.
“He is obviously a really good bowler in great form. He has been their most influential player. He has made it difficult for us at times. I thought all their bowlers bowled really well yesterday. The pitch wasn’t really doing too much, but they made it tough for us and toiled hard.” [6:50 onwards]
FAQs
What is Jasprit Bumrah’s test record against Australia?
62 wickets in 11 games
How has Pat Cummins fared against India in Tests?
70 wickets in 17 games
