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Legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has advised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah to prioritize shorter formats over Test cricket to preserve his longevity and effectiveness as a bowler. Akhtar shared his insights during a recent appearance on The Nakash Khan Show podcast, discussing Bumrah’s role and future in Indian cricket.
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The Challenges of Test Cricket
Akhtar pointed out the unique demands of Test cricket and how they could impact Bumrah’s performance and career trajectory.
“You know, in Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. The batters don’t try to attack you, so length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn’t seam then. When you start struggling, the team will start questioning. I think he is a good enough fast bowler to take wickets in Test cricket,” Akhtar stated.
While acknowledging Bumrah’s skills, Akhtar suggested that maintaining a higher pace in Test cricket could increase the risk of injury for the Indian pacer.
“If he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he has to increase pace. With the injection of increasing pace, he has a high risk of getting injured. If I were Jasprit Bumrah, I’d stick to shorter formats. It only depends on how I feel,” Akhtar added.
Bumrah’s Shorter-Format Success
Highlighting Bumrah’s achievements in limited-overs cricket, Akhtar praised the Indian bowler’s precision and adaptability.
“He is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats. He understands line and length. His accuracy is brilliant. I think he does a great job in death overs, in powerplay, and he can swing the ball both ways,” Akhtar said.
Bumrah’s Recent Performances
Bumrah has been a vital part of India’s bowling unit across formats. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he delivered a stellar performance as stand-in captain in the first Test against Australia, leading India to a commanding 295-run victory.
Despite his impressive five-wicket haul in the Perth Test, Akhtar believes that stepping back from red-ball cricket could help Bumrah extend his career and remain effective in the formats where he has excelled the most.
Balancing Workload and Career Longevity
The debate over balancing workload and maintaining career longevity has been a recurring topic for fast bowlers, especially in modern cricket. Bumrah, known for his unique action and ability to bowl in all phases of the game, faces a tough decision in managing his commitments across formats.
With Akhtar’s advice adding a new dimension to the discussion, it remains to be seen how Bumrah and the Indian team management approach this challenge moving forward.
