'Will his back support him?' - Shoaib Akhtar reckons Jasprit Bumrah won't sustain playing all formats

When Jasprit Bumrah made his international debut, many reckoned his weird action will not give him more success. But he proved them wrong by becoming one of the best bowlers of the modern day cricket across all formats. His ability to deliver accurate yorkers and also shine consistently in the longer format has made the team management handle him wisely.

His action puts a lot of load on his back and for the same reason, team India uses him in short bursts. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to play a Test at home after shining overseas and it is all the part of his workload management. Rather he was injured just before the three-match Test series against South Africa at home last year.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar also feels that it will be difficult for the pace bowler to consistently play across all the formats due to his action. He also stated that he told his friends that Bumrah will break down at some point due to his back. However, Akhtar also praised the 25-year-old for constantly working hard and improving.

“Bumrah has a difficult action. He cannot play in all formats. It is his braveness that he showed his skills in Test matches. He is a very hard working guy and is very focused. He knows where he wants to go. But will his back support him. Till when will his back withstand that much load. It had to break down.

I was watching his matches before he broke down. I was telling my friends that he will break down,” Akhtar said while speaking to Aakash Chopra in a freewheeling chat.

Jasprit Bumrah has to be very careful, says Shoaib Akhtar

While analysing Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action, Shoaib Akhtar pointed out that though he takes only a few steps in his run-up, it is his position during his delivery stride that puts the load on his back. He also cautioned India skipper  Virat Kohli to be careful of not wasting such a brilliant talent to injury.

“They (Friends) told me that it was just 4-5 steps run-up. I told them it is not a question of steps but about loading during the delivery stride, his back will not be able to sustain that much. A niggle will happen and that’s what happened. I think he broke down after a couple of Test matches. He has to be very careful and his captain. Because you get very few such talents,” he added.