Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has ignited a significant debate, suggesting that premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah might consider retiring from Test cricket. Kaif’s strong opinion comes amidst concerns over Bumrah’s visible struggles with fitness and a noticeable dip in his pace during the ongoing Test match against England in Manchester.
A Stark Observation: Pace and Performance Decline
Kaif highlighted that Bumrah, usually known for his blistering pace exceeding 140 kmph, has been consistently bowling in the 125-135 kmph range in the Manchester Test. This significant drop in speed, combined with a solitary wicket in a considerable number of overs, has raised alarm bells for the former Indian batter. He pointed out that a fully fit Bumrah is a different beast, capable of dismantling any batting lineup with sheer pace and accuracy.
“Body Has Totally Given Up”:
According to Kaif, while Bumrah’s mind and passion for the game remain sharp, his body appears to be giving up. “His body has totally given up,” Kaif stated emphatically in a video shared on social media. He observed that Bumrah doesn’t seem to be enjoying his cricket as much as he used to, suggesting that the physical toll of the demanding Test format is catching up to him.
A Selfless Cricketer’s Dilemma: Giving 100%
Kaif emphasized Bumrah’s “selfless” nature, predicting that if the fast bowler feels he cannot give his 100% for the country, win matches, or take wickets consistently, he might take the difficult decision to step away himself. This “gut feeling” from Kaif stems from Bumrah’s known dedication and high standards.
Bumrah’s career has been plagued by recurring injuries, most notably a back spasm that sidelined him for several months earlier this year, leading him to miss crucial tournaments. While his workload was already being managed, with a pre-series decision to play only three Tests in the current England tour, the signs from Manchester have deepened concerns about his long-term sustainability in the longest format.
“Get Used to Cricket Without Bumrah”: A Warning to Fans
In a grim prediction for Indian cricket fans, Kaif urged them to prepare for a future without Jasprit Bumrah in Test matches. Drawing parallels with recent Test retirements of other prominent players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Kaif suggested that Bumrah might be the next to exit the red-ball arena. He expressed hope that his prediction would be wrong but reiterated what he had observed on the field.
