Kapil Dev Reacts To Jasprit Bumrah's Workload, Rubbishes Comparisons

Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev has come out with a strong reaction to Jasprit Bumrah's workload in the recently concluded BGT series. India lost the series 3-1 and did not make the WTC final for the very first time.

Bumrah bowled over 150 overs in the series and ended with 32 wickets, the most by an Indian bowler in a Test series against Australia. He lacked the support from the rest of the bowlers which would have made a difference in the series.

While Jasprit Bumrah's performance was the highlight of the series, senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled throughout the series. Rohit being the captain scored just 31 runs across five innings. Kohli on the other hand, scored just 190 runs across nine innings including a century in the second innings of the Perth Test.

Kapil Dev Urges No Comparisons With Jasprit Bumrah

Speaking on the sidelines of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) press conference, the former Indian skipper, also the president of PGTI, opened up on the significant differences between his playing days and modern cricket.

"Please don't compare. You cannot compare one generation with another. That is not required. Today, players are scoring 300 runs in a day. It didn't happen during our time. So don't compare the two (generations)," said Kapil.

Talking about Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, Balwinder Sandhu, a member of India's 1983 World Cup dismissed concerns regarding his workload. He said that a fast bowler should be okay with bowling long spells.

"Workload? How many overs did he bowl? 150-something, right? But in how many matches or innings? Five matches or nine innings, correct? That comes down to 16 overs per innings or 30 overs per match. And he didn’t bowl those 15-plus overs in one go. He bowled in spells. So, is it a big deal? Workload management is bull****. "During our time, we bowled 25–30 overs daily. Kapil (Dev) bowled long spells throughout his career. Your body and muscles get conditioned when you bowl, bowl, and bowl. So, I don’t agree with this workload management concept" Sandhu said to TOI.

As a result of his excessive bowling, Jasprit Bumrah ended up injuring his back and was taken for cans on day 2 of the final Test in Sydney. He did not bowl on day 3 of the Test as well. Bumrah now will be missing the white-ball series against England and is more than likely to miss the Champions Trophy 2025 as well.