Gautam Gambhir's Straightforward View on Jasprit Bumrah's Workload Management Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
With the highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia just around the corner, Gambhir stressed that the team management is carefully monitoring Bumrah’s workload, along with other fast bowlers. He noted that while Bumrah is crucial to India’s chances in the series, it’s essential to ensure that he remains fresh for the entire tour.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir shared his perspective on the workload management of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. Gambhir emphasized that Bumrah has played all three of India’s home Tests this season, showcasing excellent form in red-ball cricket, and currently holds the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings.
Enough Rest Before the Australia Series
Gambhir pointed out that there would be a significant gap between India’s final Test against New Zealand and the start of the BGT series, providing ample rest for Bumrah and other fast bowlers. "We still have around 10 or 12 days before the first Test starts in Australia. That is enough break for our fast bowlers as well," Gambhir said, adding that the team would continue to assess Bumrah’s condition after the Pune Test.
Monitoring All Fast Bowlers
While Bumrah is undoubtedly the focal point, Gambhir clarified that the management is closely tracking all of India’s fast bowlers to ensure they remain fit for the challenging Australian tour. "It's not only about Jasprit Bumrah. It's about all the fast bowlers. We want to keep them fresh because we have a long and important tour of Australia," he stated.
Pune Test Outcome Could Influence Bumrah’s Availability
Gambhir revealed that India’s approach to managing Bumrah’s workload would depend on the outcome of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, particularly the match in Pune. The team may choose to rest Bumrah for the final Test if the result of the series is already decided or if he has bowled extensively.
India’s Aggressive Approach in Test Cricket
Reflecting on India’s recent performances, Gambhir praised the team’s aggressive mindset, which was evident in their approach during the opening Test against New Zealand. Despite being bowled out for just 46 runs, India showed resilience and determination to compete strongly. Gambhir highlighted this as the kind of cricket India aims to play moving forward, signaling the team’s intent to dominate in future Test matches.
As India gears up for the all-important BGT series, the team management's careful monitoring of Bumrah’s workload will be crucial in ensuring he remains at peak fitness for one of the toughest Test tours in the cricketing calendar.
