Five Reasons Why Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Siraj Are Undergoing Fitness Tests Ahead Of Asia Cup 2025? News24 –
Following India’s nail-biting 2-2 series draw in the coveted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the limelight now moves to the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to get underway on September 9. As preparations are in progress, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted its focus to managing players’ workloads – specifically, in the case of two of India’s top fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Both pacers will be undergoing fitness tests in preparation for the tournament, and here is why this decision by the BCCI isn’t merely astute but imperative.
Workload Issues Following a grueling Test series
The just-concluded five-match Test series against England wasn’t merely a mental grind – it was a physically brutal tour, particularly for the fast bowlers.
Mohammed Siraj played all five Tests, delivering more than 185 overs, displaying unutterable stamina and ability.
Jasprit Bumrah, even though he was rested for two games, couldn’t help but make an immense contribution in the three Tests he featured in, bowling with customary venom and zip.
Heavy workloads such as those in red-ball cricket, especially in foreign conditions, are a strain on the body, particularly the back, knees, and hamstrings, which are essential for any pacer.
Maintaining Peak Fitness for Consecutive Series
The Asia Cup may be a six-game T20I but the BCCI knows what is coming its way. Only four days post the Asia Cup final on September 28, India will welcome the West Indies for a two-Test series starting October 2.
With the World Test Championship cycle in full swing, India cannot afford to lose either Bumrah or Siraj to preventable injuries. The fitness test ensures both players are 100% ready and not rushed back into action.
BCCI’s Renewed Focus on Injury Prevention
The BCCI has taken lessons from some recent injury scares, particularly of mainstays of the side. With the Asia Cup, West Indies Test series, and 2026 T20 World Cup all scheduled in the near calendar year, caring for players’ health is now a strategic imperative.
A fitness test will be performed before the selection meeting, to be held by the end of August, to measure each player’s preparedness, a PTI report says. The aim is not merely to monitor fitness but also to prevent breakdowns in the middle of the tournament.
Bumrah’s History Demands Caution
Let’s not forget – Jasprit Bumrah lost more than a year of cricket between 2022 and 2023 to a niggling back injury. Although he came back very strong, the BCCI is naturally wary of rushing him too early, particularly in a high-pressure tournament.
With his match-winning potential in T20s, India would prefer to have an absolutely fit Bumrah for the business end of the tournament rather than an early injury.
Durability of Siraj is Exceptional, But Not Unlimited
Mohammed Siraj has been one of India’s most resilient bowlers over the last few years. But even he cannot resist wear and tear. Having spearheaded the pace attack relentlessly in England, he is entitled to a decent rehabilitation window.
Keeping Siraj fresh for the Asia Cup and the Test series against the West Indies is important. With his skills to swing the ball and bowl yorkers at clutch situations, his availability is important for India’s plans in all formats.
Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Gains
The move to test Bumrah and Siraj is a precautionary, player-centric measure by the BCCI. It is a clear message – Indian cricket is no longer interested in thinking short-term.
As India looks to target several ICC trophies in the next few years, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, this sort of wise workload management might be the secret to having a healthy, match-fit team in the future.
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