Former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond warned that Jasprit Bumrah’s latest back injury could potentially end his career. Bumrah has been sidelined since suffering back spasms during a Test match in Sydney, which turned out to be a stress-related injury. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, his return timeline remains uncertain, particularly for IPL 2025. Bond emphasized the need for careful workload management, especially with a demanding schedule ahead, including a five-Test series in England. He advised limiting Bumrah to no more than two consecutive Tests, highlighting the risks of transitioning from the IPL to Test matches.
This marks the first back injury Bumrah has experienced since undergoing surgery in March 2023. Bond, who previously coached Bumrah while connected with MI and is now serving as the bowling coach for Rajasthan Royals, stressed the importance of carefully managing Bumrah’s workload to prevent another setback.
According to Bond, the “danger” zone for fast bowlers arises when they shift rapidly from T20 to Test cricket. He emphasized that this would be a major concern for Bumrah as India prepares to tour England for a five-Test series in June, just a month after the IPL concludes on May 25.
“I believe Booms will be fine, but it’s crucial to manage his [workload],” Bond remarked. “With upcoming tours and schedules, we need to identify opportunities for him to rest, especially considering the risk during the transition from the IPL to the Test championship.”
“Transitioning from T20 to Test matches is particularly challenging. A one-day series usually involves three games a week, along with practice sessions, so the workload is quite manageable. However, in T20, especially in the IPL, playing three games weekly, with two days of travel and minimal training, results in bowling 20 overs at most. This is significantly less than the load of a Test match, creating a substantial jump in demands when transitioning.”
Moving forward, Bond stated he would prefer Bumrah not to participate in more than two consecutive Tests.
“He’s too valuable for the next World Cup and similar tournaments. So during the five Tests in England, I wouldn’t want him playing without a break of more than two in a row. Transitioning from the IPL to a Test match poses a significant risk. How they manage this situation will be crucial.
“Looking at five Tests in England, I wouldn’t want to be playing him in any more than two in a row. Coming out of the back end of the IPL into a Test match is going to be a huge risk.”
Shane Bond
“They might decide it’s four Test matches in total, or perhaps three. If we can ensure his fitness during the English summer, we can then proceed with confidence across the other formats. It’s challenging because he is your top bowler, but another injury in that specific area could be career-threatening, as I’m not sure another surgery can be performed there.”
With the Indian domestic season concluded, the IPL will be Bumrah’s only competitive opportunity before the England tour. Although Bond considered the IPL to be “maybe touch and go” for Bumrah, he indicated “there will be an element of risk based on how intensely he is bowling by the time he returns.”
Bond emphasized that Bumrah must collaborate with cricket’s decision-makers to establish a secure path for his career longevity. “Good management and transparent discussions with the player are essential, emphasizing that these decisions are made prioritizing his career. Anyone who has been in a similar situation understands the desperation to play, but recognizing the inherent risks at certain times can require some compromises.”
* The full interview will be published on ESPNcricinfo later this month.
Nagraj Gollapudi is news editor at ESPNcricinfo