Amid IPL 2025's relentless grind, c rallies with Ravi Shastri to demand BCCI action: 'Shield Bumrah at all costs.' Strategic rest urged for India’s pace king ahead of England Tests. Track BRG365 for live tactical updates.
Gambhir Echoes Shastri’s Concerns
Gautam Gambhir, known for his candid cricketing insights, has amplified Ravi Shastri’s recent warnings about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload.
“Bumrah is irreplaceable, but his fitness isn’t indestructible,” Gambhir stated during a media interaction.
“Playing him in all five Tests could backfire. Rotate him wisely to avoid another long-term breakdown.”
Shastri had earlier suggested capping Bumrah at two consecutive Tests, followed by mandatory rest.
Gambhir endorsed this approach, adding, “The BCCI must resist short-term temptations. Losing Bumrah before the 2025-26 FTP cycle would cripple India’s global plans.”
The IPL Factor and Historical Precedent
Gautam Gambhir highlighted how IPL 2025’s condensed schedule exacerbates risks. Bumrah, who bowled 58 overs for Mumbai Indians this season, enters the England series with minimal red-ball preparation. “IPL is vital, but Test cricket demands different physical tolls,” Gambhir noted. “Remember 2023? A rushed return from T20s led to his back stress fracture.”
Data underscores the urgency:
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Bumrah’s breakdowns: Missed 13 Tests since 2019 due to injuries.
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Post-IPL Test performances: Avg. 22.4 wickets/year vs. 34.6 pre-2020.
Gambhir’s Blueprint: Siraj-Shami as Pillars
Gautam Gambhir urged leveraging India’s pace depth. “Siraj and Shami aren’t benchwarmers; they’re match-winners,” he asserted.
“Rotate Bumrah with these two to keep all three fresh. England’s Bazball won’t fear a fatigued attack.”
His strategy aligns with Shastri’s vision: deploy Bumrah selectively in swinging conditions (e.g., Lord’s, Oval) and rely on Siraj’s reverse swing and Shami’s seam mastery elsewhere.
The Bigger Picture: WTC Redemption
With India failing to qualify for the 2023 WTC Final, Gautam Gambhir stressed this series as a redemption arc.
“Losing at home to Australia was a wake-up call. Overburdening Bumrah now risks repeating history.”
He also praised Siraj’s IPL resurgence: “His fiery spells show he’s ready to share the load.”
As the BCCI finalizes squad plans, Gautam Gambhir’s warnings add weight to growing calls for cautious Bumrah management.
Balancing immediate goals with long-term fitness could define India’s Test future.
