The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has spoken about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and showed concerns about the lack of bowling support following India’s 184-run defeat in the fourth test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at Melbourne.
India’s spearhead delivered a masterclass spell with match figures of 9/156, including a five-wicket haul in the third innings, taking his series tally to 30 wickets.
His exceptional performance also saw him become the fastest Indian pace bowler to pick 200 test wickets. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts were not enough to secure victory, as Rohit highlighted the toll of the pacer and the absence of adequate support from the other end.
Speaking at the post-match conference, Rohit Sharma admitted to the challenge of balancing Bumrah’s exceptional form with the need to protect him from overload.
#TeamIndia fought hard
Australia win the match
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/njfhCncRdL#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/n0W1symPkM
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2024
“There is to be honest (risk of overbowling Bumrah). He has bowled a lot of overs there’s no doubt about it. But again, in every Test match we play, we keep that in mind, the workloads of all the bowlers in fact.
But again, if somebody is in such great form, you want to try and maximise that form how-much-ever you can and that is what we’ve been trying to do with Bumrah,” Rohit said.
“There comes a time when you need to step back a little bit and give him that little bit of extra breather as well. So we’ve been very careful. I’ve been very careful. I talked to him about how he feels and stuff like that. So yeah, those things should be managed carefully, and I’m trying to do that on the field,” he added.
With 12 belts played in 2024, the most in his career, the 31-year-old pacer has shouldered responsibility. He has bowled a staggering total of 141.2 overs so far across four tests against Australia so far, picking 30 wickets at an average of 12.83.
The other pacers in the India squad, like Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana do not come close to the tally, which has not taken a concerning shape.
Bumrah surpassed Kapil Dev’s record to become the leading Indian wicket-taker against Australia. Since his debut, he has missed 18 of 30 home tests due to injury or workload management, though he has more consistent in tests.
His ability to show consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.
Coming to the series, Australia secured a 2-1 lead in the series and the fifth test will begin on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
