‘If we compare Jasprit Bumrah to legends…’- Former World Cup winner analyzes India pacer’s bowling mechanism

Since the end of the recently concluded five-match Test series between England and India, the tourists’ premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has been criticized for not playing the fifth and final game at the Kennington Oval in South London. One of the reasons for that decision was that Ahmedabad-born played the fourth Test in Manchester while the BCCI wanted to keep him fresh and fit for the Asia Cup 2025. 

The former World Cup-winning member of India, Balwinder Sandhu, has decoded how the right-arm pacer has been continuously bowling across formats. The Gujarat pacer has an average rest day of 3.2 in 42 Test matches he has played, which is the lowest in comparison to 3.5 and 3.7 of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.

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“If you compare Bumrah to legends like Kapil, Akram, Hadlee, or Marshall, they all had smoother biomechanics and long careers, but even they weren’t spared from injuries. Research has shown that about 40% of a pacer’s speed comes from the momentum of the run-up. Bumrah, with his slow run-up, puts extra load on his body to generate that pace.” Sandhu wrote in his column.

Balwinder Sandhu compares Jasprit Bumrah and other legendary pacers’ bowling actions

The former pace bowler of India looked back at the time when Bumrah was at the National Cricket Academy before breaking into the national side. He also admitted that they didn’t think of the pacer lasting long in the national cricket because of the strenuous action and workload demands of a fast bowler.

“Instead of hammering these bowlers for ‘choosing matches,’ let’s enjoy watching them perform whenever they can. Enjoy the skills, the execution, the moments they create. Because if you dig deeper, you may find that the choices aren’t entirely theirs- sometimes the silence and incompetence of those in charge plays a part.” Sandhu oberseved in the same column. 

“Today’s players don’t have that luxury of privacy. Everywhere they go, fans, media, and smartphones follow. Fame now comes with influencer deals, paparazzi, sponsor obligations, and the pressure of keeping up with millions of followers. The money is massive, and so is the responsibility. And that’s what we often forget.” The 69-year-old concluded.