Shane Bond Warns Jasprit Bumrah Against Overload: “Another Injury Could Be Career-Ending”
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah injury concerns have resurfaced after he was sidelined from cricket since January 2025 due to a back issue sustained on the second day of the final Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After a phenomenal performance in the series, his absence has raised concerns over India’s bowling attack leading into the Champions Trophy 2025 and the highly anticipated Test series against England.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has weighed in on Jasprit Bumrah injury, warning against potential career-threatening risks if his workload is not managed carefully. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bond expressed concern over the transition from T20 cricket (IPL) to Test matches, which could put Bumrah in a vulnerable position if he returns too soon.
Jasprit Bumrah Injury: What We Know So Far
Jasprit Bumrah injury has once again highlighted the delicate nature of fast bowlers’ workload management. While he has battled back injuries in the past, this latest recurrence has put a question mark over his immediate return to the Indian squad.
Bond, who previously worked as the bowling coach for Mumbai Indians, revealed that he had anticipated Jasprit Bumrah injury ruling him out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to the nature of his back problem.
“When he went off for scans in Sydney, there was some messaging coming up that he had sprains and stuff like that. I was worried that it wasn’t just a sprain but possibly a bony injury in that area. If that was the case, I knew he might struggle to make the Champions Trophy,” Bond explained.
Despite his concerns, Bond remains optimistic that Bumrah will recover, but he stressed the importance of strategic workload management to prevent future injuries.
The IPL-Test Transition: A Major Risk for Bumrah?
One of Bond’s key concerns is the massive shift in workload when a bowler transitions from T20 cricket to Test cricket, especially within a short span. India’s schedule following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 includes a five-match Test series in England, making the period between the IPL and the England tour a high-risk phase for Jasprit Bumrah injury.
“Anywhere you transition from T20 to Test cricket, it’s challenging. If you’re playing ODIs, it’s not too bad. You play three games a week, train in between, and bowl about 40 overs, which is close to a Test match workload. But in T20s, particularly in the IPL, you might play three games a week, have two travel days, and maybe get one training session. You’re bowling just about 20 overs a week, which is half or even less than a Test match workload,” Bond explained.
The concern here is that fast bowlers are not conditioned to bowl back-to-back days in T20 cricket, which is a crucial requirement in Test matches. The sudden increase in workload can put immense stress on the back, an area that has already troubled Bumrah in the past. This makes Jasprit Bumrah injury a critical point of discussion ahead of the England tour.
Workload Management: The Key to Extending Bumrah’s Career
Having coached Mumbai Indians for several years, Bond understands the physical and mental toll of fast bowling. He emphasized that open communication and proper workload management are critical in ensuring Bumrah’s longevity and avoiding another Jasprit Bumrah injury.
“It’s going to take some good management and open conversations with the player. We have to tell him, ‘We’re doing this in your best interest for your career.’ Players are always desperate to play, but sometimes, they need to make compromises to avoid long-term damage.”
Bond believes that if India manages Jasprit Bumrah injury carefully during the England tour, they can carry him across formats with more confidence for the rest of the year. However, he also issued a dire warning:
“If he has another injury in the same spot, that could be a career-ender. I’m not sure you can have surgery on that spot again.”
Will Bumrah Miss the Start of IPL 2025?
As speculation grows, reports indicate that Jasprit Bumrah injury might force him to miss the first few weeks of IPL 2025 to focus on his recovery. This would be a huge setback for Mumbai Indians, who heavily rely on their pace ace in high-pressure matches.
Mumbai Indians’ management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are closely monitoring Jasprit Bumrah injury and his rehabilitation process to ensure that he returns only when he is fully fit.
Key Takeaways: What Lies Ahead for Bumrah?
🔸 Jasprit Bumrah injury ruled him out since January 2025, and his return remains uncertain.
🔸 Shane Bond warns that another back injury could end Bumrah’s career, stressing the need for workload management.
🔸 The IPL-to-Test transition is a major risk, as T20 workloads are significantly lower than Test match demands.
🔸 India’s focus should be on getting Bumrah fit for the England tour, rather than rushing him into IPL 2025.
🔸 Mumbai Indians are hoping for his return, but early IPL participation remains doubtful.
With the England tour looming, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah injury recovery and whether India’s management can successfully navigate this delicate phase in his career. The stakes are high, and every decision regarding his return could shape the future of India’s fast-bowling attack. 🚨
