IPL 2025: Former Pace Star Warns: Jasprit Bumrah’s Career at Risk, ‘One More Injury Could Be the End…’

India’s key pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has been rested from major cricket tournaments since January 2025. He suffered a serious injury in England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Now, Bumrah is being rehabbed at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is also doubtful to take part in 2025 for his team, the Mumbai Indians.

Bumrah’s injury has been a serious concern for Team India. Before it, he was suffering from back issues, and due to this, he has been out of cricket over the years. He underwent back surgery in 2023, and now his latest injury has raised questions about his long-term fitness issues. Former New Zealand fast bowler and ex-MI bowling coach Shane Bond has raised serious concerns about Bumrah’s potential risks to his career.

“When he went off for scans in Sydney, there were murmurs about sprains, but I feared it might be something more serious, like a bony injury,” Bond told ESPNCricinfo. “If that were the case, I thought he might struggle to make it to the Champions Trophy. Thankfully, it wasn’t, but the risk remains.”

Bond, who himself battled persistent back injuries during his career, emphasised the challenges of transitioning between formats, especially from the high-octane but low-overs workload of the IPL to the gruelling demands of Test cricket.

“The transition from T20s to Tests is particularly challenging,” Bond explained. “In the IPL, you might bowl 20 overs in a week, with travel and limited training. But in Tests, you’re expected to bowl 40-50 overs in a week, often on back-to-back days. That’s a massive jump, and it’s where the risk of injury spikes.”

Bond suggested that Bumrah’s workload must be meticulously managed to ensure his longevity. “For instance, during a five-Test series in England, I wouldn’t want him playing more than two Tests in a row. He’s too valuable for India’s World Cup campaigns and other major tournaments. Another injury in the same area could potentially end his career, as further surgery might not be an option.”

Bumrah’s absence has already impacted the Mumbai Indians, who heavily rely on his wicket-taking prowess. The Indian team management is also taking care of him to improve things. There is no doubt he is India’s best bowler across all formats, and his fitness is crucial for their success in global tournaments. Fans are eagerly waiting for positive updates on his recovery.

Relevant news