Former Team India cricketer Robin Uthappa feels that lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah`s demanding action and high pace put immense pressure on his body, and managing his workload is also necessary to keep him match-ready.
The pacer was provided rest for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Later, he played a crucial role in the hosts` dominating 101-run victory over the Proteas in the first T20I match at Cuttack.
Earlier, he was also rested for the ODI series against Australia in October, but played the T20I series.
Speaking about the pacer, “He is an absolute match-winner, and managing his workload is crucial. Fast bowling is probably the toughest skill in the sport, and Bumrah does it at high pace with a demanding action,” Uthappa said on JioStar`s `Cricket Live`.
The former cricketer is also hopeful of Bumrah building on the consistency before heading into the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
“You want to protect that, but at the same time, you want him to play enough cricket. We`ve seen glimpses of his brilliance, and hopefully he can build consistency over the next few games heading into the World Cup,” he said.
However, the fourth match of the ongoing T20I series between Team India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog. Currently, the “Men in Blue” under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav is leading the five-match series by 2-1.
The fifth T20I match between the teams is scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.
Ahead of the fifth and final clash, Team India`s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, may miss out on the all-important match. According to several media reports, the right-hander has sustained a toe injury during the practice session. The 26-year-old cricketer is also struggling to find himself among the runs in the shortest format of the game.
In his absence, Team India`s think tank may provide an opportunity to Sanju Samson. With Jitesh Sharma already playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the team, the question arises as to who will don the `Big Gloves` if Samson features in the side for the series decider.
(With PTI Inputs)