Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, whose own career was cut short by back issues, believes Jasprit Bumrah needs a cautious approach to his return from a back injury. Bond warns that another injury in the same area where Bumrah had surgery could potentially end his career.
Bumrah has been sidelined since he left the field for scans during a Test match in Sydney earlier this year. Initially reported as back spasms, the injury was later diagnosed as stress-related, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with no clear timeline for his full recovery or participation in the IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians (MI).
This is Bumrah’s first back injury since his surgery in March 2023. Bond, who has previously coached Bumrah as the bowling coach for MI and is currently with Rajasthan Royals, emphasizes the necessity of carefully managing Bumrah’s workload to prevent a recurrence.
Bond recalled concerns when Bumrah went for scans in Sydney, initially reported as sprains. He suspected a bone-related injury in the back area, doubting Bumrah’s chances for the Champions Trophy.
Bond, who underwent back surgery at 29, the same age as Bumrah, understands the challenges. Despite ongoing injuries, Bond continued playing until 34 before retiring from all formats. He mentioned in a 2010 interview that playing consecutive first-class games was detrimental and expressed weariness with rehabilitation.
According to Bond, the transition from T20 to Test cricket is a particularly vulnerable period for fast bowlers. He highlights this as a primary concern for Bumrah, especially with India’s five-Test series in England coming soon after the IPL.
Bond states that while Bumrah should recover, workload management is crucial. He points out the risky transition from IPL to Test cricket, especially with the upcoming Test Championship.
Bond suggests limiting Bumrah to a maximum of two consecutive Tests, especially considering the England tour’s tight schedule of five Tests between June 28 and August 3. He believes India cannot afford to have Bumrah repeat the high workload from the Australia tour, where he bowled extensively.
Bond emphasizes Bumrah’s importance for future World Cups and suggests that playing him in more than two consecutive Tests in England would be unwise. He reiterates the significant risk of transitioning from the IPL to Test matches and the importance of careful management.
Bond concludes by saying that another injury in the same spot could be career-ending for Bumrah, as further surgery might not be an option.
With the Indian domestic season concluded, the IPL is Bumrah’s only chance for competitive play before the England tour. Bond considers the IPL participation potentially risky, depending on Bumrah’s bowling intensity upon return.
Bond stresses the need for open communication between Bumrah and Indian cricket decision-makers to create a safe path for his career longevity. He acknowledges players’ eagerness to play but underscores the necessity of understanding and accepting risks and compromises for long-term career health.
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