Could Bumrah Be on the Brink of Test Retirement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah is facing potential retirement from Test cricket.
- His recent performance has shown a significant drop in pace.
- Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns about Bumrah's physical condition.
- Fans may need to prepare for a future without Bumrah in Test matches.
- Player health management is crucial for performance sustainability.
New Delhi, July 26 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a surprising assertion that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah might soon retire from Test cricket following his lackluster performance in the current fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Bumrah has bowled a total of 28 overs in England's first innings, achieving figures of 1-95 with his only wicket being Jamie Smith during the last session on Friday. The focus is not solely on his wicket tally; his pace has significantly declined in this Test match, with speeds primarily hovering between 130-135 km/h—a stark contrast to the 140 km/h he consistently delivered in the earlier Tests at Headingley and Lord’s.
Kaif remarked, "I believe Jasprit Bumrah will not participate in any upcoming Tests and might even retire. He is facing physical struggles, and his pace has dropped significantly in this match. Being an honest player, he will withdraw if he feels he can't contribute fully to the team. It's not just about the wickets; the pace falling to 125-130 km/h is concerning," he stated in a video on X.
Worries escalated when Bumrah was spotted holding his ankle during the second session, although he did return to bowl later. Commentators observed that he seemed to be holding back, cautiously approaching the crease.
Despite being slated to play in only three out of five Tests due to workload management, Kaif indicated that fans may have to brace themselves for a future with less of Bumrah in the longest format.
"There’s no question regarding his dedication and commitment, but his body is failing him. His underwhelming performance in this Test suggests he may struggle to compete in future matches. Indian fans need to get ready to watch Test cricket without Bumrah, following the exits of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ashwin. I hope I’m wrong, but what I observed is concerning," added the former player.