With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluding on May 26 and the T20 World Cup 2024 set to commence on June 1, the transition for players from one high-intensity tournament to another is swift, leaving minimal time for rest and recuperation. As fans voice concerns on social media about the workload management of key Indian players, one name stands out prominently – Jasprit Bumrah.
Focus on Jasprit Bumrah: Fitness scrutiny
The pacer’s fitness is under scrutiny, given his history of injuries, notably a stress fracture on his back that sidelined him for an extended period. Bumrah’s absence from the 2022 T20 World Cup and IPL 2023 due to injury highlights the importance of his fitness ahead of the upcoming tournament, with hopes pinned on his crucial role in the Indian team’s campaign.
Head coach Kieron Pollard shares his take
In the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Bumrah took one wicket while conceding 23 runs. Currently, he owns the Purple Cap, sitting right at the top in terms of highest wicket takers with 18 scalps to his name from 12 matches.
Amidst speculations surrounding whether Bumrah will be rested to ensure his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Mumbai Indians‘ head coach Kieron Pollard has shared his insights. Responding to queries about potential plans to rest Bumrah for MI’s remaining fixtures, Pollard stated that he hasn’t been part of any discussions regarding Bumrah’s rest ahead of the global tournament.
Also READ: IPL 2024 – Playoffs qualification scenario for MI after their convincing win over SRH
“I certainly haven’t had any discussions about that. I don’t think that’s my role and function at this point in time. But let’s see what happens. We are all here to play an entire IPL. Sometimes when we think too far ahead of different things, thinking about World Cups, all these things could affect performances even from before the team was selected,” said Pollard while talking to media.
Bumrah is likely to get a week’s respite
As MI gear up for their last two IPL matches against KKR and LSG on May 11 and 17, the team’s playoff prospects remain uncertain. With four wins from 12 matches this season, MI find themselves positioned at the 9th spot in the points table. If they fail to qualify for the playoffs, Bumrah will have a week’s respite before Team India embark their journey to the USA for the T20 World Cup.
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