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Mohammed Kaif voices concern over Jasprit Bumrah’s powerplay bowling strategy ahead of the T20 World Cup, sparking debate with the latter’s response.
Jasprit Bumrah has been rested in two matches of the Asia Cup (Picture credit: AFP)
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has said that he is concerned about ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah bowling three overs with the new ball, especially with the T20 World Cup five months away. At the Asia Cup, the star pacer has mostly bowled three overs in the power play with one more at the death.
Kaif reiterated that having Bumrah bowl three successive overs in the powerplay during the Asia Cup may not be the best strategy.
Kaif warned that India might struggle to win next year’s T20 World Cup if they persist with the same approach.
“My concern is Jasprit Bumrah bowling three overs with the new ball. I had mentioned that and my problem is that as an Indian fan, I have been a cricketer, but as a fan, in the context of the T20 World Cup,” Kaif said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“Bumrah has just one over remaining for the last 14 overs. So, I wasn’t happy about that. He keeps getting injured and does not play all the matches continuously. He didn’t play the previous match as well,” Kaif said.
“He (Bumrah) is getting a chance to play while taking breaks, so he remains fully fit. It was in my mind that if Suryakumar Yadav continues using him this way, we will not win the T20 World Cup, take it in writing,” Kaif added.
Earlier, the former Indian cricketer voiced the same concern on X, suggesting that Bumrah’s three successive overs in the powerplay were aimed at avoiding injury.
The ace Indian pacer disagreed with Kaif’s assessment and replied to the post by writing, “Inaccurate before inaccurate again”.
“I can understand that. I, too, have been a cricketer and have been in such situations. The guy is injured and isn’t able to play continuously. Like in England, he played three out of the five matches,” Kaif said.
“When someone pulls the reins and does not give a free hand, it is a very difficult time for a player. When I was trying to make a comeback after being dropped, even I got angry at some people out of frustration,” Kaif added.
September 28, 2025, 13:34 IST
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