Bumrah’s Workload Management Debate Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Jasprit Bumrah has once again become the center of India’s workload management debate ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The star pacer played only three Tests during the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tour to India. Despite India leveling the series 2-2 at The Oval, Bumrah was released after completing his quota of three games. He still claimed 14 wickets, including two five-fors, before stepping out.
Bumrah’s Early Fitness Struggles at NCA
Former bowling coach Bharat Arun revealed how Bumrah’s fitness journey started back in 2013 at the National Cricket Academy. “In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn’t make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy,” Arun said on an episode of Bombay Sport Exchange.
Arun explained how coaches once tried remodeling his action. “In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective?” he said.
The challenge, however, went beyond technique. “He could bowl quick, and so we discussed with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress,” Arun added.
Lifestyle Transformation: From Junk Food to Discipline
Bumrah, known for his quirky action, turned things around by changing his lifestyle. “We called him and told him: to take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, he was working in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. He gave up everything overnight. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat—but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving,” Arun remarked.
Bumrah will now return to T20I cricket for the first time since the 2024 World Cup win in Barbados. Named in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, he remains a vital part of India’s plans. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar defended the decision to manage him carefully. “Clearly, we want him available for all the big games,” Agarkar said. “Most fast bowlers are monitored, but with him there’s extra attention because of how unique and special he is,” he added in Mumbai.
Bumrah’s career numbers highlight his impact. In just nine years, he has taken 457 wickets from 207 matches. His average of 20.63 and strike rate of 33.77 are the best among Indian bowlers with such numbers.
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