Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has advised fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to carefully manage his schedule by skipping matches with low competitive importance. According to Ashwin, balancing rest and performance is crucial to maintaining Bumrah’s effectiveness across formats.
Ashwin noted that Bumrah’s workload should align with his role as India’s leading pace bowler in Test and white-ball cricket. Playing continuously without adequate breaks, he said, could harm Bumrah’s longevity and consistency.
"It’s not about playing every game; it’s about being available and effective when the team needs you most," Ashwin stated.
Ashwin emphasized that resting during less critical fixtures allows bowlers like Bumrah to peak in major tournaments and Test series. He pointed to the increasing physical demands of modern cricket and the importance of thoughtful scheduling for player welfare.
He also urged the selectors and coaching staff to prioritize Bumrah’s long-term physical condition over short-term gains, particularly during domestic or inconsequential international games. This approach, he argued, helps safeguard key players from burnout or injury.
"We have to be smarter with rotation policies if we want our best bowlers to perform at their best throughout the year," Ashwin explained.
Summary: Ashwin urged Bumrah to skip low-priority matches to manage fatigue and remain effective for crucial international fixtures, stressing strategic rest as key to long-term performance.