After being out of action since September 2022, Jasprit Bumrah underwent surgery in March 2023 to treat a stress fracture in his back, which required a prolonged recovery period.
Renowned Australian pacer Glenn McGrath issued a warning in Chennai on Tuesday, saying that Jasprit Bumrah needs a “off-season” because his “extensive effort” in the bowling action could cause the star Indian pacer to sustain additional ailments. After being sidelined since September 2022, Bumrah underwent surgery in March 2023 to treat a stress fracture in his back. This prolonged his recovery period. He also missed the IPL 2023 and the T20 World Cup in Australia in the interim.
The right-arm bowler grabbed 20 wickets in the 50-over World Cup after returning to play a little earlier than expected to captain India in their three-match T20I tour to Ireland last August. He got off to a quick start.
McGrath claimed that because of Bumrah’s actions and workload—considering the amount of work that goes into his bowling—he needs time off the game.
“During his final two steps, he simply charges into the crease. During a press conference at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath stated, “As a result, his momentum builds, and that’s where he gets the pace.”
“Bumrah needs an off-season because he devotes so much of himself to every ball.” After exerting so much effort, he deserves a rest. The fast bowling legend stated, “If he continues to play, the amount of pressure created given the bowling action he has, he is bound to get injured, which he has in the past.”
According to McGrath, India hasn’t felt pressured to look far and wide for a left-arm bowler because they have a strong pool of right-arm pacers.
“Indian fast bowling hasn’t seen a significant turnover in a very long time. We can only consider making a change when they become older, based on the excellent work that Muhammad Shami, Bumrah, Muhammad Siraj, and Umesh Yadav have done,” McGrath stated.
Avesh Khan is among the numerous combatants. We’ll find out later. We haven’t seen a left-arm Indian pacer recently since we have so many excellent right-arm bowlers,” he continued.
McGrath, meantime, supported Australian quicks Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins—two of the most expensive players in IPL auction history—to avoid being discouraged by their high price.
The Kolkata Knight Riders paid a staggering Rs 24.75 crore to acquire Starc, while Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 20 crore to acquire Cummins.
“For personal reasons, Starc decided not to attend the IPL. However, he returns and receives a record price, according to McGrath.
“He’ll be anticipating it with excitement. He is as excellent as any fast bowler on his day if he is able to move the ball around. It’s amazing how much money they received. However, they are both highly skilled players who are familiar with the game,” he continued.
“As they have in the past, they will go out and play well. The price tag won’t affect them in the slightest, in my opinion,” McGrath stated.
Regarding Starc’s future, McGrath discussed his longevity and used the example of James Anderson, an English player, who is 41 years old.
“Everything relies on his desires. He’s 34, I gave up at 33, and Jimmy Anderson (James Anderson) is 41 and still making plays. It’s about how much time he spends playing games and how much fun he and his body are having,” he stated.
Even though Australia defeated India in the World Cup final the previous year, McGrath claimed that Australian players still find it difficult to adapt to the environment.
“It’s just the attitude of the Australian sports people – they are very competitive and back themselves to perform on the big stage,” he stated.
“Previously, they were more adaptable. Australia always finds it hardest to adjust to life in India. Compared to other nations, they haven’t been able to adjust to the spin circumstances here as well,” he remarked.
