India’s star pacer is struggling with fitness issues, as there has been a noticeable drop in his pace during the Old Trafford Test in Manchester. He has managed to pick up only one wicket so far, with the dip in pace affecting his impact.
As fitness concerns grow and Bumrah’s pace dips in the ongoing Manchester Test, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the pacer could soon be the next Indian great to step away from red-ball cricket.
With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin already having exited the format, The 44-year-old thinks Bumarh might be the next to leave the format, not because he lacks skill but rather because his body might no longer allow him to play Test cricket.
In the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester, Bumrah’s speed has significantly decreased from his typical 140 kph to 130-135 kph range. However, at Headingley and Lord’s he touched 140-plus, but Old Trafford has a different story.
During the second session on Day 3, the 31-year-old was clearly struggling. After giving up 11 runs in just one over with the new ball, he was seen clutching his ankle and leaving the field.
Kaif says Bumrah might consider Test retirement soon
“I don’t think you will see Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Tests, and he might retire. He is struggling, and there is a noticeable drop in pace. He is an honest person. If he feels he is not giving his 100 per cent, winning matches or taking wickets for his country, it is my gut feeling that he will step away himself,” Kaif said in a video posted on his X account.
Bumrah’s dip in form during what has been a tough challenge for India in England has sparked serious concerns. He began the series on a high with a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings at Headingley but lost momentum soon after, going wicketless in the second innings. Although he made a strong comeback at Lord’s with another fifer, his performance in Manchester has been underwhelming, claiming just one wicket, Jamie Smith in 28 overs. This inconsistency has become the hallmark of Bumrah’s England tour.
Kaif highlights that Bumrah’s dip in pace is concerning
According to Kaif Bumrah going wicketless is concerning but the noticeable dip in pace is more troubling. Additionally, he highlights Bumrah’s body language, stating that the top-ranked Test bowler may be struggling with fitness issues and doesn’t appear to be having fun on the field.
“Getting wickets or not is one thing. But bowling at 125 to 130kph — and the wicket he did get required the keeper to dive forward — that’s not the Bumrah we know. When he’s fit, his deliveries carry at a good height regardless of who’s batting — be it Joe Root or Ben Stokes. He is a player who can dismiss anyone at will. I feel the passion is still there, but his body is no longer responding,” Kaif explained.
“His body is not supporting him. His inability to take wickets in this Test is a clear indicator that he may face issues in future matches. Maybe he won’t play in upcoming Tests. Virat, Rohit, and Ashwin have moved on. Perhaps the time is coming when India will have to play without Bumrah. I hope my prediction is wrong. But I don’t think he’s enjoying this Test,” he concluded.
