New Delhi: Former New Zealand fast bowler and ex-bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians (MI) has expressed concerns that another injury in the same area where Indian pace leader Jasprit Bumrah underwent surgery could potentially end his career. He emphasized that, moving forward, he would prefer not to see Bumrah participate in more than two Test matches consecutively, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
Bumrah has been dealing with a lower back injury, which sidelined him during India's remarkable journey to victory in the Champions Trophy on Sunday. The bowler, referred to as a "national treasure" by prominent batsman Virat Kohli, had an impressive performance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, claiming 32 wickets across five matches. However, he sustained a stress-related injury during the final Test in Sydney earlier this January, which has kept him out of competitive cricket since then, including missing India's successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
Currently, Bumrah is undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and his availability for the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), starting March 22, remains uncertain.
This is not the first time Bumrah has faced a back injury; he underwent surgery for the same issue in March 2023. Bond, who has previously served as MI's bowling coach and is now with the Rajasthan Royals, highlighted the importance of managing Bumrah's workload carefully to prevent further injuries.
Bond himself had a career affected by back injuries, playing only 120 matches and taking 259 wickets for New Zealand from 2001 to 2010. He also underwent his first back surgery at the age of 29 and continued to play until he was 34, retiring from Test cricket first and then from all formats within six months.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo regarding Bumrah, he remarked, "When he went for scans in Sydney, there were indications suggesting he had sprains and similar issues. I was concerned that it might not just be a sprain, but potentially a bony injury in that area [the back]. I feared he could face difficulties in participating in the Champions Trophy if that were the case."
Bond emphasized the risks associated with the rapid shift from T20 to Test cricket. He pointed out this challenge as India gears up for a five-Test series in England, which follows closely after the IPL concludes on May 25.
"I believe Bumrah will be alright, but it’s crucial to manage his workload," Bond stated.
"We need to assess the upcoming tours and schedule to identify when he can take a break, while also recognizing the critical periods. The transition from the IPL to the Test championship poses a significant risk."
"Any transition, especially from T20 to Test matches, is demanding. A one-day series is generally manageable, with three games a week and adequate practice, keeping you in the vicinity of 40 overs, which is relatively close to a Test match workload. However, in T20, particularly during the IPL, players might participate in three matches a week, face two days of travel, and have only one training session, resulting in around 20 overs bowled at best. This is significantly less than the load of a Test match, making the transition quite challenging," he concluded.
India's upcoming tour to England will be intense, featuring five Tests from June 28 to August 3. Bond advised against subjecting Bumrah to the same heavy workload he experienced during the Australia tour, where he bowled a total of 151.2 overs, including 52 in the fourth Test, a Boxing Day match in Melbourne, which was his highest in a single Test.
He holds significant value for the upcoming World Cup and related events. Therefore, it would be prudent to consider limiting him to two consecutive Tests during the five-match series in England. Transitioning from the IPL to a Test match poses considerable risks, and effective management of this situation will be crucial.
They might propose a total of four or three Test matches. If he can successfully navigate the English summer while remaining fit, there is a strong possibility of him being able to participate confidently in other formats thereafter. This presents a challenge, as he is the team's leading bowler, but another injury in the same area could jeopardize his career, especially since further surgery on that site may not be feasible.
With the Indian domestic season concluded, the IPL is the only competitive cricket Bumrah can engage in prior to the tour of England. Bond believes that participation in the IPL is "perhaps uncertain" for Bumrah, and the level of risk will depend on the intensity of his bowling as he returns.
Bond emphasized that it is essential for Bumrah to collaborate with the decision-makers in Indian cricket to establish a safe strategy that ensures his long-term career. "Effective management and transparent discussions with the player are vital, as we are prioritizing his career's best interests. Every player who has faced similar challenges, including myself, is eager to play, but it is important to recognize the risks involved at certain times and to make necessary compromises."
