Day 3 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford saw India’s top pacer Jasprit Bumrah narrowly escape another career-threatening injury. The star bowler had to endure an ankle injury while exiting the dressing stairs in Manchester, an event that forced him out of action during a critical moment in India’s Test vs their hosts.
Concerns over his future with the national team continue to grow, and prominent voices now suggest it may be the end for India’s electrifying pacer.
Former Team India Cricketer Believes Bumrah’s Test Career is Over
Mohammed Kaif was once a major squad player for India across formats and understands the pressures players face to deliver may result in career-ending injuries. The former Team India cricketer recently sparked conversations among fans and analysts after suggesting that Bumrah may choose to leave Test cricket entirely or retire from the sport:
“Jasprit Bumrah, I don’t think you will see him playing in the upcoming test matches. And he might even take retirement. He is struggling with his body. His body has totally given up. His speeds have been on the lower side in the Manchester Test. There is no speed in this Test match,” Kaif said.
“Selfless” Bumrah will quit if he can’t take wickets anymore – Kaif
Kaif believes Bumrah has all the traits of a selfless cricketer and will opt for Test retirement if he can no longer deliver at an optimal level:
“And he is a selfless person. If he feels that he is not able to give 100 per cent for the country, that he is not able to win the match, that he is not getting the wickets, then he himself will refuse. This is my gut feel,” he added.
Kaif claims Bumrah’s spirit the same but he has lost fitness
The former cricketer went on to praise Bumrah for his unrelenting spirit on the field, particularly while delivering balls. However, he believes the star pacer’s physical fitness isn’t where it once was, and this could trigger his early exit from the sport:
“But the speed, he is throwing the ball at a speed of 130-125. And the wicket he got, the catch that the keeper took, he also caught it by diving. His passion is the same. But he has lost to his body. He has lost to his fitness. His body is not supporting him,” he said.
“Get used to watching Test matches without Bumrah” – Kaif advises fans
The current injury woes plaguing Bumrah may not go away soon according to Kaif. The ex-cricketer believes India in Whites will have a new-look squad anytime soon. Kaif also believes that the sudden exits of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravi Ashwin could ease the retirement of Bumrah:
“His failure in this Test match clearly shows that I feel there will be problems in the Test matches. You may not see him playing. First, Virat Kohli went. Then Rohit Sharma went. Ashwin is not there. Now, without Bumrah, get used to it, Indian fans. I feel that you will have to get used to watching Test matches without him as well,” he added.
Kaif concludes by praying for his prediction to be wrong, and believes Bumrah’s sharp mind is not enough to make up for his failing physical fitness:
“I pray that my prediction is wrong. But what I saw in this Test match, I feel that he is not enjoying himself. His mind his sharp, but he has lost to his body,” Kaif concluded.
Few Reasons Why Bumrah May Exit Test Cricket Amid Current Woes
Discomfort during critical phases of 2025 England Test tour
Bumrah was seen limping during Day 2 and 3 of the Manchester Test and could only take a wicket throughout the encounter. Continued physical discomfort at such a high-stakes phase of the tour could force the star player’s retirement.
Drop in performance due to fitness
Bumrah bowled in 28 overs and could only secure a 1-82 figure for all his work at a reduced 129km per hour speed. The skilled pacer usually delivers balls over 137km per hour; however, fitness issues seem to be getting to him.
To preserve his legacy
Bumrah gained popularity for being one of modern cricket’s top pacers with an ability to deliver precise yorkers from tight angles. He quickly became India’s top attacking bowler after debuting for the team over half-a-decade ago.
Fans currently fear that his injury woes in recent years may trigger an early retirement. Bumrah may aim to preserve his status as one of the game’s best-ever pace bowlers amid current fitness issues. Some cricketers have had to leave the sport due to similar reasons in the past after dealing with recurring injury trouble.
