Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who played a key role in mentoring Jasprit Bumrah as a bowling coach in the Indian Premier League, has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload.
Drawing from his own experiences with career-threatening back injuries, Shane Bond expressed concerns that another injury in the same spot where Jasprit Bumrah had surgery in 2023 could put an end to his career.
Jasprit Bumrah has been sidelined since sustaining an injury during the second day of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. Initially included in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, he was later replaced by Harshit Rana due to a lower back issue. Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive cricket.
Shane Bond recalled how early reports suggested Jasprit Bumrah had only sustained a sprain but he suspected a more serious issue, potentially involving the bone in his back. Given Jasprit Bumrah’s history, Shane Bond was doubtful about his participation in the Champions Trophy and stressed the importance of managing his schedule wisely to prevent further setbacks.
Despite his confidence that Jasprit Bumrah will recover, Shane Bond emphasised that his workload must be handled with caution. With a packed cricketing calendar ahead, including the transition from the IPL to Test cricket, careful planning is essential to avoid placing excessive stress on his body. Shane Bond believes the key danger period for Bumrah lies in playing consecutive Test matches without adequate rest.
He suggested that Jasprit Bumrah should not play more than two Test matches in a row, as overuse could increase the risk of another serious injury. Highlighting the importance of keeping Jasprit Bumrah fit for the next World Cup and other crucial tournaments, Shane Bond recommended limiting his participation in the upcoming five-Test series in England.
He proposed that if Jasprit Bumrah can remain fit throughout the English summer, there would be a better chance of sustaining him across multiple formats. However, he warned that if another injury occurs in the same spot, it could be career-ending, as undergoing surgery on the same area again may not be a viable option.
As one of the most valuable bowling assets of India, Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a priority. The BCCI now faces the challenge of strategically managing his workload to ensure he remains at the top of his game without jeopardising his future in cricket.
