Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has defended the workload management strategy ahead of the ODI series between India and New Zealand. India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested by the selectors for both white-ball series against the Kiwis.
Bumrah has often been questioned by experts and fans for picking and choosing his schedule, but Bond, whose career ended prematurely because of a plethora of injuries, understands how imperative it is to manage the workload of a pacer.
“There’s often a perception that players are simply picking and choosing what they want to play. I don’t think that’s the case at all. Experienced bowlers understand their bodies very well. They’re constantly discussing their workloads with medical staff and coaches, assessing what they can physically handle,” Shane Bond told the Times of India.
“The biggest risk period is always when a player is returning from injury and readjusting to competitive cricket. That’s why I think it’s pretty harsh on Bumrah to suggest he’s picking and choosing,” he added.
Bond, who had observed Bumrah from close quarters as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, said managing workload is crucial not only for Bumrah but for every player.
“It applies not just to Bumrah but to every player. India play an enormous amount of cricket, so managing workloads is essential. You want your best players fit, fresh and ready when the World Cup arrives next Oct or Nov. Every major cricket nation is trying to achieve the same balance, especially with the demands of both international and franchise cricket,” Shane Bond said.
Bumrah is India’s best fast bowler across all formats. He will be in action in the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 19.
