Former Team India Batter Mohammad Kaif has expressed concern over the fitness of Pesar Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. The cricketer-turn-commentator said that Bumrah has been regularly rested by the team management and often does not play matches continuously.
Earlier this year, Bumrah experienced a back cramp during the final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, forcing him to remember the Champions Trophy 2025. The right-handed pacer played just three tests against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series as a prediction measurement against England.
I was not happy about that – Mohammad Kaif
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that he was not happy with Bumrah Balling, Jaspriot in three consecutive overs with a new ball. Kaif said that this strategy could not be ideal, Bumrah has only one bowling in the last 14 overs.
“My concern is Bumrah Balling with three overs with the new ball. I mentioned it, and my problem is that as an Indian fan, I have been a cricketer, but as a fan, as a fan, in the context of the T20 World Cup. Bumrah is remaining for the last 14 overs. So, I was not happy about it,” said KIF.
India will take Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 28 September. He failed to take wickets in Super Four Clash, scoring 45 runs in his four overs. In particular, he recorded 2/28 against Salman Ali Aga -led Pakistan in the Group Forum match.
Jasprit Bumrah is getting injured – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif warned that India’s approach to use Jasprit Bumrah in the same way may endanger their opportunities in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also said that Bumrah regularly recalls matches due to injuries and needs rest to stay perfectly fit.
“He is injured and does not play all the matches continuously. He does not play well as the previous match. He is getting a chance to play while taking a break, so he remains completely fit. It was in my mind that if Suryakumar Yadav used to use Bumrah in this way, we would not win the T20 World Cup,” KAIF said.
Jasprit Bumrah is not able to play continuously – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif had expressed concern over Jasprit Bumrah bowling in the first three consecutive overs at Powerplay, stating that it was a strategy to manage Pesar’s fitness. However, Bumrah disagreed and replied, “Over wrong, again wrong.”
The cricketer-turn-commentator emphasized that restricting a player’s freedom by ensuring fitness can be a difficult balance.
“I can understand that I too have been a cricketer and lived in such situations. The man has been injured and is not able to play continuously. Like England, he played three matches out of five. When someone draws reins and does not give an independent hand, it is a very difficult time for a player.
Bumrah has taken five wickets at an economy rate of 7.33 in four matches, with the best figure of 2/18 against Bangladesh. He played two group stage matches and was rested against Oman.
Pacer returned to the Super 4 clashes, which included sports against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bumrah was also rested for India’s last Super 4 match against Sri Lanka.
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