Boom goes Bumrah’s back

Jasprit Bumrah’s back stress fracture has stirred a debate on his bowling action, workload management and him playing all formats of cricket

- S KANNAN

Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury flare up could not have come at a worse time. He was supposed to be the pace spearhead of Team India at the ICC World T20 in Australia in October and November, but finds himself out in the cold. And in pain.

Since the time the pace sensation got injured in the fifth Test of an unfinished series in Birmingham this July, Bumrah has been out. These days, when the Indian cricket board (BCCI) does a great job of concealing relevant information, Bumrah being declared unfit for the T20 matches against South Africa came as shocking news.

As it were, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja will hurt team India. In his case, the effective spinner cum useful batsman delayed his knee surgery. The end result was a total breakdown. Just imagine, a team led by an unfit-looking Rohit Sharma will be minus two star bowlers. Fans knew Jadeja would be out for a long period but Bumrah was the key to India’s hopes in Australia.

The nightmare that the Asia Cup turned out to be for India in the offshore venues of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah was a reminder of how important Bumrah is to the side. Agreed, pressing in Arshdeep Singh was a great move in the death overs. The youngster has the mental frame of mind to take on the challenge but is not a match for Bumrah.

To be sure, there is speculation on who will replace Bumrah. Frankly speaking, there can be no replacement for Bumrah. The pace ace has been sensational in his career, though he will be in focus now for all the wrong things.

At no point should Bumrah be blamed for the breakdown. The credit, or fault, for this, should be taken by the BCCI.