'He needs an off-season': Glenn McGrath's piece of advice to Jasprit Bumrah ahead of T20 World Cup

Australia veteran Glenn McGrath has given a major warning bell regarding the workload management of India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. McGrath fears that if Bumrah is not given sufficient breaks, the amount of effort he puts into each delivery will lead to more injuries for the pacer.

The Ahmedabad-born has gone through many injuries in the last couple of years, missing several crucial tournaments like the 2022 T20 World Cup and IPL 2023 due to a back injury. He returned to action in mid-2023 in a series against Ireland, and then played a prominent role in India's ODI World Cup campaign last year. The right-arm pacer is currently gearing up for the upcoming IPL 2024 and is expected to fly to West Indies and USA for the month-long T20 World Cup.

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Speaking to the media at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath analysed Bumrah's unique bowling action which generates immense pace but puts a lot of strain on his body.

“The last two strides that he takes, he just powers into the crease. Thus, his momentum increases, and that’s where he gets the pace," McGrath explained.

The former pacer insisted, “Someone like Bumrah needs an off-season because he puts so much into every ball. With so much extensive effort, he needs a break. If he keeps playing, the amount of pressure created given the bowling action he has, he is bound to get injured, which he has in the past.”

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Only when they move elder, we can think of having a change: McGrath

With India lacking a consistent left-arm pacer at the highest level, the ex-Aussie seamer believes the wealth of quality right-arm options Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj is one reason why a left-arm hasn't broken through yet. But he warned that investing in Bumrah's longevity should be the top priority for Indian cricket going forward into marquee events like the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"The Indian fast bowling has been set for a long time and hasn't had a big turnover. The way (Mohammed) Shami, Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj, and Umesh (Yadav) have delivered, only when they move older, we can think of having a change,” the Aussie concluded.