Ex-NCA's head physio warns Gautam Gambhir of Jasprit Bumrah's workload ahead of India tour of England, says 'As much as you can be over bowled...'

Former NCA's head physiotherapist wants India to be wary of Jasprit Bumrah's workload

Following the retirements of veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah stands out as one of the most experienced players in the Indian Test squad. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has indicated that it is unlikely Bumrah will participate in all five matches of the series. It's worth noting that the premier fast bowler had previously suffered a back injury during a tour to Australia, which consequently sidelined him from the Champions Trophy in 2025.

Gautam Gambhir himself has also stated that Jasprit Bumrah is slated to play in only three of the five Test matches against England. Countering this approach, Ashish Kaushik cautions that limiting Bumrah's bowling too significantly could actually increase his risk of injury by potentially underbowling him. Kaushik further elaborates that workload management extends beyond just the number of overs bowled and encompasses all physical activities the player undertakes.

"There is an acute to chronic workload ratio for every player. Research suggests that a certain amount of workload must be maintained to reduce the risk of injuries and going above or below that workload could pose a risk. As much as you can be over bowled, you can also be under bowled. Workload is not only for bowling but training, too. It should be measured from all strenuous activities: bowling, batting, fielding, strength work, and conditioning work. It should not spike up or drop from where they can deliver," Kaushik told SportsBoom.com.

According to Ashish Kaushik, it is crucial that players undergo thorough physical preparation leading up to matches. This ensures that their bodies are adequately conditioned to withstand the rigors and demands of being on the field, thereby minimizing the likelihood of unforeseen strain or injury during gameplay.

"Ahead of this Test series, the purpose should be to ensure all the players are in the safe zone, where the bodies are used to functioning at a certain level, and what they do on the field is not unexpected. After a bout of activity, one has to ensure the bodies recover on time before the next activity. They need offloading for a long time, where sleep, nutrition and emotional recovery are essential. It helps keep players energised for the next session," Kaushik added.

Jasprit Bumrah's career has unfortunately been punctuated by recurring injuries, leading to his absence from several significant tournaments. These include the 2022 T20 World Cup, the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, and the 2025 Champions Trophy, highlighting the impact these setbacks have had on his participation in major cricketing events. His history with injuries extends back to 2019 when, during a period of concern over a stress fracture, the former head physiotherapist at the NCA, Ashish Kaushik, accompanied Bumrah to England for consultations with specialists.

Despite these periods on the sidelines, Bumrah's contributions to the Indian Test side have been significant. His last appearance in a Test match was during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series held in Australia. In that series, he demonstrated exceptional form, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 32 wickets. Furthermore, after missing the initial phase of the IPL 2025 season, the right-arm pacer made a remarkable comeback for the Mumbai Indians, showcasing his resilience and continued importance to the team.

Looking at his overall Test career, Jasprit Bumrah has bagged a total of 205 wickets across 45 matches at a robust average of 19.40. Talking about his track record in England, he has taken 37 wickets in nine Test matches with a solid average of 26.27.