As India’s cricketing calendar grows increasingly packed, the management of its premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has become a focal point of discussion. The recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a five-match Test series against England in 2025, reignited debates over Bumrah’s workload and his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Missing the crucial series-deciding fifth Test due to workload management, Bumrah faced criticism from fans and former cricketers alike, with many questioning his commitment to national duty. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who handed Bumrah his international debut, has proposed a bold solution: the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider resting key bowlers like Bumrah from the IPL before major Test series. This suggestion, coupled with calls for financial compensation, has sparked a broader conversation about workload management, player longevity, and the delicate balance between franchise and international cricket.
The Context: Bumrah’s Absence in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a marquee Test series pitting India against England in early 2025, was a high-stakes affair. India, aiming to solidify their standing in the World Test Championship, relied heavily on Bumrah’s lethal pace and unplayable variations. However, the BCCI’s medical team, wary of his injury history—particularly a fragile back—advised that he play only three of the five Tests to avoid risking a career-threatening injury. This decision followed Bumrah’s absence from the majority of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier in 2025, where a back issue sidelined him for two months.
In the three Tests he played, Bumrah was exceptional, claiming two five-wicket hauls and a total of 14 wickets at an average below 20. His spells, often stretching to 8-10 overs on England’s dry, docile pitches, showcased his endurance and skill. Yet, his absence in the fifth Test, which England narrowly won to clinch the series, drew sharp criticism. Fans pointed to England captain Ben Stokes, who bowled 140 overs and faced 581 deliveries across the series, as a benchmark for commitment. Bumrah, by comparison, bowled 119.4 overs, a significant but carefully managed workload.
The criticism intensified when it emerged that Bumrah had played 12 matches in the IPL 2025 season for Mumbai Indians, raising questions about his priorities. Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar argued that the BCCI should have mandated Bumrah skip the IPL to ensure he was fully fit for the Test series. Bharat Arun, however, offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting not just rest but also compensation to balance the financial and professional implications of missing the lucrative T20 league.
Bharat Arun’s Proposal: Rest and Compensation
Bharat Arun, who mentored Bumrah during his formative years with the Indian team, advocates a strategic approach to workload management. Drawing parallels with Australian fast bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who have occasionally skipped domestic T20 leagues to prioritize Test cricket, Arun argues that resting Bumrah from the IPL before a grueling five-match Test series could extend his career. “This (skipping IPL) would definitely help when you want to preserve bowlers,” Arun told Times of India. “Playing too much cricket does not give you enough time to work on the physical front. So, yes, this can definitely be looked into.”
Arun’s proposal hinges on two key elements: selective rest and financial compensation. Missing the IPL, where Bumrah earns approximately Rs 16 crore per season with Mumbai Indians, represents a significant financial sacrifice. Arun suggests that the BCCI could offset this loss by compensating players for prioritizing national commitments. “He can be aptly compensated for that. If he is told by BCCI, because he is in contract, ‘we want you to work on this particular aspect’, I think it is fair enough,” Arun stated.
This idea aligns with modern cricket’s evolving landscape, where player contracts increasingly account for workload management. The BCCI already employs a central contract system that categorizes players into grades (A+, A, B, C), with top players like Bumrah in the A+ bracket earning Rs 7 crore annually, excluding match fees and IPL earnings. Compensating Bumrah for skipping the IPL could involve a one-time payment or a restructured contract that incentivizes Test prioritization, ensuring he remains financially secure while focusing on fitness and skill development.
The Workload Conundrum: Balancing Formats
Bumrah’s injury history underscores the need for careful management. A stress fracture in 2019 sidelined him for nearly a year, and recurring back issues have kept the BCCI’s medical team on high alert. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy exposed the challenges of managing a fast bowler in a multi-format era. Unlike spinners or batters, who face less physical strain, fast bowlers like Bumrah endure immense stress on their bodies, particularly in Tests, where long spells and high intensity are the norm.
The IPL, with its frenetic schedule of 14-16 matches over two months, exacerbates this strain. In 2025, Bumrah bowled over 40 overs across 12 matches for Mumbai Indians, often in high-pressure death overs. While T20 bowling involves shorter bursts, the cumulative toll of travel, training, and matches can erode a player’s physical reserves. Vengsarkar’s critique—that the BCCI should have convinced Mumbai Indians’ owner Mukesh Ambani to rest Bumrah—highlights the tension between franchise and national interests. “Considering the importance of the IND vs ENG Test series and his fragile back, Bumrah should have been told to miss IPL 2025,” Vengsarkar told Times of India. “If I was the chief selector, I would have convinced Ambani and Bumrah.”
However, enforcing such a decision is complex. The IPL is a commercial juggernaut, and franchises invest heavily in star players. Resting Bumrah could disadvantage Mumbai Indians, potentially affecting team performance and fan expectations. Moreover, players have a degree of autonomy in their career choices, and forcing Bumrah to skip the IPL could strain player-board relations. Arun’s compensation model offers a middle ground, ensuring players like Bumrah are not penalized for prioritizing national duty.
The BCCI’s Evolving Policy: No Partial Availability
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy also exposed flaws in the BCCI’s selection policy. Allowing Bumrah to play only three Tests created strategic challenges, as India lacked their spearhead in the decisive match. In response, the BCCI is reportedly revising its approach, mandating that players must be available for an entire Test series to be considered. This policy shift aims to ensure team continuity and fairness but raises questions about flexibility. For players like Bumrah, whose fitness is a known concern, a blanket rule could limit their participation or force them to play through injury, risking long-term damage.
This policy also reflects broader trends in cricket. England and Australia have adopted similar measures, resting key players like Stokes or Cummins for bilateral T20Is to preserve them for Tests. India’s challenge is unique, given the IPL’s prominence and the cultural significance of Test cricket. The BCCI’s medical team, led by experts like Dr. Anant Joshi, who oversaw Bumrah’s back surgery, emphasizes proactive management. By limiting Bumrah to three Tests, they aimed to prevent a recurrence of the 2024 Sydney injury, which could have sidelined him for six months or more.
The Broader Implications: Test Cricket vs. T20 Allure
The Bumrah debate encapsulates a larger issue: the tug-of-war between Test cricket and T20 leagues. Test cricket, with its prestige and legacy, remains the pinnacle for players like Bumrah, who has 159 wickets in 36 Tests at an average of 20.69. Yet, the IPL offers financial security and global exposure, making it a non-negotiable part of modern careers. Critics who question Bumrah’s commitment overlook this reality—IPL earnings dwarf Test match fees, and players must balance passion with pragmatism.
Arun’s suggestion to rest and compensate aligns with practices in other sports. In the NBA, “load management” sees stars like LeBron James sit out regular-season games to peak for playoffs. Cricket could adopt a similar model, designating “priority series” (like the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy) where players are rested from T20s. The BCCI’s financial muscle—its 2024 revenue exceeded $1 billion—makes compensation feasible, potentially setting a precedent for other boards.
Counterarguments and Challenges
Opponents of Arun’s plan argue that resting Bumrah from the IPL could disrupt team dynamics and fan engagement. Mumbai Indians rely on Bumrah’s wicket-taking ability, and his absence might weaken their campaign, as seen in 2020 when injuries forced him to miss key games. Fans, too, expect to see stars in the IPL, and excluding Bumrah could dent the tournament’s appeal. Additionally, compensation raises logistical questions: How much is “apt”? Would it set a precedent for other players, inflating costs?
There’s also the risk of over-managing Bumrah. Denying him game time could affect his rhythm, as T20s allow him to refine variations like his yorker and slower ball. Vengsarkar’s suggestion to limit IPL matches rather than skip the tournament entirely might be a compromise, allowing Bumrah to stay match-fit while reducing workload.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Longevity
As India prepares for the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026, Bumrah’s management will remain critical. With a five-match Test series against Australia looming in late 2025, the BCCI faces a test of its own: balancing player health, national pride, and commercial interests. Arun’s proposal—resting key bowlers with compensation—offers a forward-thinking solution, but its success depends on collaboration between the BCCI, franchises, and players.
Bumrah, at 31, is at his peak, with a Test bowling average rivaling legends like Malcolm Marshall. Preserving him for iconic series while respecting his IPL commitments requires delicate calibration. The BCCI’s willingness to innovate—whether through revised contracts, medical protocols, or selection policies—will shape not just Bumrah’s career but the future of Indian cricket in a multi-format world.
