With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ends May 26th and the T20 World Cup 2024 With the tournament scheduled to begin on June 1, players’ transition from one high-intensity tournament to another will be rapid, leaving little time for rest and recovery. As fans take to social media to raise concerns about the workload of key Indian players, one name stands out: Jasprit Bumrah.
Focus on Jasprit Bumrah: Fitness Examination
The pacer’s fitness will come under scrutiny given his injury history, particularly a stress fracture to his back that kept him sidelined for a long period of time. Bumrah’s injury-related absence from the T20 World Cup 2022 and IPL 2023 underlines the importance of his fitness ahead of the upcoming tournament, with hopes pinned on his crucial role in the Indian team’s season.
Head coach Kieron Pollard shares his opinion
In the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Bumrah took one wicket and conceded 23 runs. He currently holds the Purple Cap and is at the top when it comes to most wicket-takers with 18 scalps from 12 games.
Amid speculation over whether Bumrah will be rested to ensure his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Mumbai Indians‘Head coach Kieron Pollard shared his findings. Responding to questions about possible plans to sideline Bumrah for MI’s remaining matches, Pollard said he was not involved in any discussions about Bumrah’s pause ahead of the world tournament.
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“I definitely didn’t have any discussions about it. I don’t believe this is my role and function at this point. But let’s see what happens. We are all here to play a full IPL. Sometimes when we think too far ahead, for example World Cups, all of these things can affect performances even before the team is selected.” Pollard said while speaking to the media.
Bumrah is likely to get a week’s rest
As MI prepares for its final two IPL games against KKR and LSG on May 11 and 17, the team’s playoff prospects remain uncertain. With four wins from 12 games this season, MI are in 9th place in the points table. If they fail to qualify for the playoffs, Bumrah will have a week’s rest before Team India begins its trip to the USA for the T20 World Cup.