‘Bumrah’s workload will be crucial ahead of T20 World Cup’ - Uthappa urges India to protect ace pacer
"He is an absolute match-winner, and managing his workload is crucial. Fast bowling is probably the toughest skill in the sport, and Bumrah does it at high pace with a demanding action," Uthappa said.
The workload management debate surrounding India’s premier match-winner Jasprit Bumrah has reignited, with former batter Robin Uthappa urging the team management to protect the fast bowler, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
India has shown caution in recent months. During the Test tour of England, Bumrah featured in only three matches, while he was also rested for parts of the ODI series against South Africa and Australia.
However, with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, India have recalled Bumrah for the T20I series against South Africa, reigniting concerns over his workload. Uthappa described Bumrah as a priceless yet physically vulnerable asset, noting that his explosive pace and unique bowling action place immense stress on his body every time he runs in.
"He is an absolute match-winner, and managing his workload is crucial. Fast bowling is probably the toughest skill in the sport, and Bumrah does it at high pace with a demanding action," Uthappa said on JioHotstar.
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According to Uthappa, fast bowling is already the toughest role in cricket, and Bumrah performs it at the highest intensity. He believes the balance is delicate, Bumrah needs regular game time to remain sharp, but overuse could easily backfire.
The timing of Uthappa’s warning is significant, with the ongoing T20I series already disrupted after one match was abandoned due to heavy smog. With the T20 World Cup now less than two months away, India must exercise extra caution in managing Bumrah’s workload.
“You want to protect that, but at the same time, you want him to play enough cricket. We've seen glimpses of his brilliance, and hopefully he can build consistency over the next few games heading into the World Cup," said Uthappa.
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In terms of form, Bumrah’s T20I numbers show a clear dip following his back injury. In 2024, he was virtually unplayable, averaging just 8.27 with an economy rate of 4.18 while playing a starring role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph. However, his numbers have declined sharply in 2025, with his average rising to 23 and his economy rate increasing to 7.42.
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