The workload of Indian bowlers has been a major topic of discussion following Jasprit Bumrah's injury during the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah had bowled 151.2 overs in the series while pace partner Mohammed Siraj bowled 164.1 overs. Despite the fact that Bumrah's injury could lead to his exclusion from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, India's 1983 World Cup winner Balwinder Singh Sandhu stated that 'workload' is a foreign concept and a bowler should not strive to to play for him. India if they can't bowl 20 overs a day per match.
Sandhu spoke about Jasprit Bumrah's workload and made his thoughts clear.
“Workload? How many overs has he (Bumrah) bowled? 150, right? But in how many matches or innings? Five matches or nine innings, correct? That works out to 16 overs per innings or 30 overs per match. And he has those more then 15 overs not bowled in one go. So, is that bad?' Sandhu told TimesofIndia.com.
“Workload management is bull****. These are Australian terms, coined by Australians. I come from an era where cricketers listened to their bodies and no one else. I don't agree with this at all,” says Sandhu vehemently. added.
Managing the workload has been an important aspect of Bumrah's career, especially because of his unorthodox bowling. However, Sandhu took the example of players like Kapil Dev to emphasize that bowling 15-20 overs a day should not be a big ask.
“We used to bowl 25-30 overs a day. Kapil (Dev) has bowled for long periods throughout his career. Your body and muscles get conditioned when you bowl, bowl and bowl,” Sandhu said.
In a vociferous statement, Sandhu concluded that Bumrah or any other bowler who fails to bowl long spells consistently should consider quitting playing for the country.
“Today you have the best physios, the best masseurs and excellent doctors to take care of your body. If a bowler cannot bowl 20 overs in an innings, he should forget about playing for India,” Sandhu said.
Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy is still up in the air depending on how his recovery progresses.
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