Bhuvneshwar Kumar has defended Jasprit Bumrah‘s workload strategy, saying that people don’t understand what it takes for a fast bowler to perform under pressure across formats.

Bumrah is facing massive flak for playing just three Tests against England. It was decided before the five-match test series that Bumrah would be a part of three-ball games. He missed the second and fifth matches of the test series.

India won the games played at Edgbaston and Old Trafford. Speaking to Mavendra, Bhuvneshwar explained why Bumrah can’t play every test.

“He has been playing for years and it is tough for anyone to sustain that. Considering the kind of bowling action he has, injuries can happen to him. I have no problem with him competing in three Tests,” he said.

“The selectors know that he can be impactful in three matches. People don’t understand how tough it is to play for so many years across formats,” he added.

If a player might not play all five matches but will contribute significantly in three, that should be okay,” he explained.

“People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats. Bumrah is always bowling in tough situations, which brings both mental and physical pressure. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage them somehow,” said the Indian fast bowler who shared dressing room with Bumrah.

Reflecting on Jasprit Bumrah’s journey Bhuvneshwar said, “When he first came in, everyone could see there was something special. Skill-wise, nothing has changed — he was as good back then as he is now. But with years of performance comes confidence. Once you are established, you don’t panic if things go wrong. That maturity comes with age.”

Mohammad Azharuddin and Dilip Vengsarkar were not in favour of Bumrah’s workload plan. He took 14 wickets in his three matches. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj was the highest wicekt-taker, claiming 22 wickets in five matches.