NEW DELHI: In a recent discussion regarding the workload management of India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, cricketing legend Kapil Dev emphasized the importance of not comparing athletes from different generations. During a press conference for the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), where he serves as president, Kapil reflected on how drastically the game has evolved since his playing days.
“Please refrain from making comparisons between eras; it’s simply not valid. Today’s players can score 300 runs in just one day—a feat that was unheard of during my time,” Kapil remarked to reporters.
The topic has gained traction following India’s 3-1 series loss in Australia and Bumrah’s subsequent injury. Balwinder Sandhu, another member of the iconic 1983 World Cup-winning team and a former teammate of Kapil’s, recently criticized the notion of ‘workload management,’ labeling it as a concept “invented by Australians.” In an interview with TimesofIndia.com, Sandhu dismissed concerns about Bumrah’s workload.
“What is this talk about workload? How many overs did he actually bowl? Just over 150 across five matches or nine innings—that averages out to around 16 overs per innings or roughly 30 overs per match. He didn’t bowl all those overs at once; they were spread out over spells. So why is this such a big deal? The idea of workload management is nonsense,” he stated emphatically.
Sandhu further elaborated on his point by recalling how players in their era routinely bowled between 25 to 30 overs daily without any issues. “Kapil bowled long spells throughout his career; your body adapts when you consistently bowl,” he added.
During the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Bumrah delivered an impressive total of 151.2 overs but unfortunately ended up with injuries that could jeopardize his participation in upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy. As he navigates through these fitness challenges, it’s worth noting that Bumrah also took on leadership roles during BGT—captaining India in two Tests where they achieved victory in Perth but faced defeat in Sydney.
The dual responsibilities—bowling and leading—have led to increased scrutiny regarding his physical demands on the field. Addressing potential changes within Indian cricket leadership dynamics, Kapil Dev urged for patience and understanding towards new captains stepping into their roles: “When you give someone an opportunity, allow them some time to settle down.”
As discussions around player fitness continue to evolve alongside modern cricket strategies, it remains crucial for both fans and analysts alike to appreciate each player’s unique journey while recognizing how far the sport has come since its inception.