Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has fired back at Jasprit Bumrah’s sharp criticism over his comments on the star pacer’s workload in white-ball cricket. Kaif kept things cool, calling his remarks a simple “cricketing observation.”
It all started on Thursday when Kaif voiced worries about how teams are using Bumrah these days. He noted that Bumrah has been bowling full three-over spells right at the start in the powerplay phase, rather than saving some for the tense death overs. Kaif thinks this could spell trouble for injury risk, especially with big matches like the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on the horizon.
Kaif pointed out a shift in tactics. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Bumrah often stuck to quick, one-over bursts—like in overs 1, 13, 17, and 19. But with Suryakumar Yadav leading, Bumrah opened up with longer spells in the Asia Cup. In his X post, Kaif wrote: “Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, 19. Under Surya, in Asia Cup, he bowled a three-over spell at the start. To avoid injury, Bumrah these days prefers to bowl while his body is warmed up. 1 over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters; against stronger teams at World Cup, this could hurt India.”
Bumrah didn’t hold back, replying on social media with a blunt: “Inaccurate before inaccurate again.”
On Friday, Kaif cleared the air, stressing that he meant no harm. “Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer,” he posted. “You are Indian cricket’s biggest match-winner and I know what it takes to give it all when on field wearing India colours.”
Bumrah’s fitness and workload management have drawn plenty of attention lately amid India’s busy schedule. Still, he’s shone in the Asia Cup, grabbing four wickets across four games.
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