"It's Pretty Harsh": Jasprit Bumrah Backed By New Zealand Great Amid Workload Management Debate

Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond recently weighed in on the workload management of fast bowlers and backed India star Jasprit Bumrah amid the criticism surrounding his schedule. India are set to face New Zealand in a five-match ODI series starting on Wednesday in Auckland. Bumrah has been rested for the ODI leg and is expected to return for the two-match Test series beginning on November 19. The right-arm pacer only recently recovered from injury, and the team management is keen not to rush him back into action.

Speaking about Bumrah, Bond said there is a perception that some bowlers pick and choose series or matches based on personal preference. However, he backed the Indian pacer, pointing out that returning to competitive cricket after an injury is never easy for a fast bowler.

"There is often a perception that players are simply picking and choosing what they want to play. I don't think that is the case at all. Experienced bowlers understand their bodies very well," Bond said while speaking to The Times of India.

"They are constantly discussing their workloads with medical staff and coaches, assessing what they can physically handle. The biggest risk period is always when a player is returning from injury and readjusting to competitive cricket," he added.

Bond urged critics not to be too "harsh" on Bumrah and supported the concept of workload management. He stressed that carefully managing a player's workload helps keep them fit, fresh, and better prepared for major tournaments.

"That is why I think it is pretty harsh on Bumrah to suggest he is picking and choosing. It applies not just to Bumrah but to every player. India play an enormous amount of cricket, so managing workloads is essential. You want your best players fit, fresh and ready when the World Cup arrives next October or November," Bond said.

Bumrah's last appearance for India came in October when he played against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026, gold medal match at the Korogi Sports Park in Nagoya.

Recently, Bumrah also completed his routine fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is set to join the Indian team in New Zealand.

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