- August 12, 2025
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most electrifying fast bowlers India has ever produced. But this recent England tour, where Bumrah sat out two Tests, sparked quite a buzz. Fans and critics alike were divided: Was he avoiding pressure games or genuinely nursing his fitness? Well, Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, just dropped some truth bombs that shed light on what’s happening with Bumrah’s back — and spoiler alert, it’s a serious deal. If you’ve been wondering why Bumrah’s availability has been a rollercoaster lately, this blog’s got you covered with some fresh insights.
The Back Injury That Keeps on Giving
The phrase “far more serious stuff on his back now” signals a critical phase in the fast bowler’s journey, where the stakes are incredibly high. Bumrah’s surgery after the 2023 World Cup wasn’t a quick fix or a silver bullet; it marked the beginning of a grueling road to full recovery. Surgery is often just the first step, and in cases like this, it demands a patient, measured approach involving meticulous monitoring, ongoing physiotherapy, and carefully managed training loads.
Think of it like a high-performance engine — you can’t just push it full throttle after a major overhaul. Arun’s point is clear: Bumrah playing three Tests despite this serious injury is a huge achievement in itself. So those who quickly label him as ‘cherry-picking’ matches might want to reconsider before passing judgment. The body needs care, especially when it’s a star athlete’s back on the line.
The “Picking and Choosing” Myth — Debunked
Now, the criticism about Bumrah playing only selective Tests? Bharat Arun calls it out as pure nonsense. Jasprit Bumrah played his cards close, revealing upfront he’d only make appearances in three of the five Tests. That’s a transparent, pre-planned approach, not some last-minute decision to dodge crucial matches. Arun rightly questions why anyone would expect Bumrah to play every Test regardless of his health when the stakes are sky-high.
What’s more, when Bumrah was on the field, he didn’t just show up — he delivered. Fourteen wickets at an average of 26 is nothing to sneeze at. He carved his name into the series with not one, but two lethal five-wicket spells. Yet, ironically, India lost both those matches. It shows cricket is a team game, and Bumrah’s performance alone can’t guarantee wins. So the blame game aimed at him for missing a couple of Tests seems not just unfair but misguided.
Balancing Brilliance and Longevity — What Lies Ahead?
Bumrah’s injury saga is a textbook example of how player fitness and workload management have become crucial, especially for pace bowlers who put their bodies under immense strain.
Bharat Arun is correct to point out a growing global trend within the cricketing community – that taking rest days is as essential as playing. It is great to see Bumrah coming back from surgery, still able to perform at an elite level. The challenge now is for us to manage that superstar talent to prolong its life. It is a balancing act, but it is critical for the sake of the viewing public and for us to watch Bumrah terrorize batsmen for many, many years.
Are we ready to accept a slower, more thoughtfully managed journey for our cricketing heroes? After all, sometimes the journey can be just as thrilling as the win itself.
