'Think long-term': Ex-India physio on Jasprit Bumrah's workload management
What's the story
Former Team India physio John Gloster has shared his thoughts on managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload. He stressed the need for long-term planning for Bumrah's career, rather than just focusing on immediate series appearances. As per The Times of India, Gloster believes that this approach will not only benefit the player but also Indian cricket as a whole. His comments come amid a debate over Bumrah's participation in recent Test series due to workload management concerns.
Athlete autonomy
Controversial decision
Gloster acknowledged that the decision of whether Bumrah should be given leeway in choosing which games to play is a controversial one. However, he also stressed that athletes know their bodies better than anyone else. He said, "Most athletes these days who have good sports teams around them are taking advice from those people." Gloster also praised Bumrah as a mature athlete who knows exactly what he's doing.
Career highlights
Impressive Test record
Despite criticism for missing key Tests in the recent series, Bumrah has had an impressive career so far. He has taken 219 wickets in 48 Tests at an average of 19.82, including 15 five-wicket hauls. Gloster believes that Bumrah's participation in the Asia Cup shouldn't be a problem since it's a T20 tournament where he only has to bowl four overs per match.
Strategic approach
Strategic approach needed
Gloster stressed the need to think about Bumrah's career in terms of the next two to three years, not just the next series. He said, "And I think nine times out of 10, mature athletes who have good support are going to make the right decisions." This strategic approach is aimed at preventing burnout or injury and ensuring a longer playing career for Bumrah.
Guidance significance
Importance of sound counsel and advice
Gloster emphasized the importance of sound counsel and advice in Bumrah's career. He said, "He knows that his career and the length of his career, his sporting longevity, is going to be through sound counsel and sound advice." This highlights how crucial it is for athletes like Bumrah to have the right guidance when it comes to managing their workload and injuries effectively.
Asia Cup
Bumrah's return on cards for Asia Cup
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to announce the 15-member squad for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025. The announcement will take place on August 19, after a selection meeting in Mumbai. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to captain the team, with some of India's top T20 players expected to be included. As per reports, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to make a comeback after recovering from a minor knee injury, while Mohammed Siraj may be rested after a heavy workload in England.