'Zaheer Khan played 4 months of non-stop cricket to resurge' - Wasim Jaffer on how break can disturb bowler's rhythm

Team India suffered a major jolt as prominent pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been reportedly ruled out of the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup due to a ‘back stress fracture’. The news of Bumrah missing from the Indian squad created a shockwave among the Indian fans as the Men in Blue suffered their second setback, the first being all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's absence from the T20 World Cup. 

Since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Bumrah has represented India in just three T20Is out of 24 matches. He played one match against England followed by two games against Australia recently. Bumrah was named in the Indian squad to face South Africa but he was rested for the first game earlier this week citing a back spasm, and then later ruled out of the series.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has given his views on whether lengthy breaks can disturb the rhythm of a bowler. He also recalled a conversation with former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan. 

The moment a break happens, you have to start over: Wasim Jaffer

“Absolutely. I've spoken to Zaheer as I'm pretty close to him. When he played for Worcestershire, he played literally four months of non-stop cricket. That's how Zaheer Khan's resurgence happened, post the 2006 season. That's what he told me if he plays consistently and bowls a lot of overs, he feels in rhythm and his body feels good. The moment he feels there's a break, it takes him a while to get back to shape again,” Jaffer said in a conversation with ESPN Cricinfo. 

“Most bowlers want it that way. If they are on the field, they are playing, there are raring to go. The moment a break happens, you have to start over. That's why I'm pretty sure Bumrah probably pushed himself to be ready for the T20 World Cup,” said the former India opener.

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue will take on South Africa in the second T20I encounter to be played in Guwahati on October 2 (Sunday).