NEW DELHI: Weighing in on Team India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s workload concerns, legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev on Monday stressed the futility of comparing players from different eras.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) press conference, the former Indian skipper opened up on the significant differences between his playing days and modern cricket.
“Please do not compare (me with Bumrah); you cannot compare one generation with another. The boys of today score 300 runs in a single day, which didn’t happen in our time. So, don’t compare,” Kapil told media.
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Following a 3-1 series defeat in Australia and injury to Bumrah, the issue of ‘workload management’ has stirred debate recently, with Balwinder Sandhu, Kapil’s former teammate from the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, lashing out at the concept, calling this a term “created by Australians”.
In an interview with TimesofIndia.com, Sandhu recently dismissed Bumrah’s workload concerns.
“Workload? How many overs did he bowl? 150-something, right? But in how many matches or innings? Five matches or nine innings, correct? That comes down to 16 overs per innings or 30 overs per match. And he didn’t bowl those 15-plus overs in one go. He bowled in spells. So, is it a big deal? Workload management is bull**,” he added.
“During our time, we bowled 25–30 overs daily. Kapil (Dev) bowled long spells throughout his career. Your body and muscles get conditioned when you bowl, bowl, and bowl. So, I don’t agree with this workload management concept.”
Bumrah bowled an exhaustive 151.2 overs, delivering 908 balls during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), only to face an unfortunate, injury-laden end to his campaign.
Now grappling with a back injury that could endanger his participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Bumrah will be looking to solve the fitness puzzle.
Additionally, the pacer took on leadership responsibilities in the BGT. Bumrah captained India in two Tests, securing a victory in Perth but facing defeat in Sydney.
The dual challenges of bowling and leadership also invited scrutiny on his workload.
Touching on potential leadership transitions in Indian cricket, Kapil Dev, however, asked for patience. “Whoever you give an opportunity to, at least give them some time,” Kapil urged, stressing the need for stability and support for new captains.
