Kapil Dev Voices Concern Over Jasprit Bumrah’s Longevity

Kapil Dev, the former captain of India, has articulated concerns regarding the ability of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to maintain his peak performance and physical condition over the next 10 to 12 years.

During a recent YouTube podcast appearance, Dev commented that Bumrah’s abbreviated approach to bowling and unique technique present significant challenges for batsmen, drawing parallels with the renowned Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga.

Dev elaborated on the difficulties batsmen face with unconventional bowlers. “There are a couple of factors at play. Bowlers who possess an unusual action, like Malinga, often create difficulties for batsmen in terms of picking up the ball.”

“We rarely face such bowlers in practice, and encountering a distinct action unexpectedly can disrupt a batsman’s timing. If a batsman struggles to decipher the bowler’s intentions in that brief moment, it gives the bowler a distinct advantage,” Dev stated.

Dev emphasized that Bumrah’s capacity to generate considerable speed despite his short run-up is a crucial component of his effectiveness.

“Bumrah’s effectiveness stems from his ability to generate significant pace from a relatively short run-up, something batsmen find difficult to anticipate.”

“His bowling action deviates from the conventional athletic form, which contributes to his potency. However, the question remains whether he can sustain this level of performance over an extended period, such as 10 to 12 years. From a cricketer’s perspective, it appears challenging,” he added.

Notably, Bumrah sustained a stress fracture in his back during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which sidelined him for the Champions Trophy and a portion of the IPL 2025 season.

During India’s recent tour of England, Bumrah participated in just three of the five Test matches. Reports also suggest that his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup is uncertain.