‘Awkward Action, Tough To Sustain’: Kapil Dev Raises Alarm Over Jasprit Bumrah’s Future in Cricket
Indian fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has time and again silenced critics with match-winning spells, searing yorkers, and unrelenting consistency. Yet, legendary former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev has voiced a concerning opinion — one that’s bound to ignite debate among cricket enthusiasts.
In a recent conversation, Kapil Dev expressed serious concerns about Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action, questioning how sustainable it can be for a long and injury-free career. With Bumrah’s recent injury comebacks and workload management always under the scanner, Kapil’s comments have once again brought the topic of his future durability to the forefront.
Kapil Dev’s Verdict: “Awkward Action, Difficult To Sustain”
Speaking candidly in an interview, Kapil said:
“I really admire Bumrah’s skill and the way he has led India’s pace attack, but I fear for his longevity. His action is awkward — not textbook — and it puts immense pressure on his back and joints. That is difficult to sustain over a long period.”
Kapil’s concern stems from both experience and observation. As someone who bowled over 700 international wickets across formats without missing a Test due to injury, his words are not mere speculation.
The Bumrah Bowling Style: Unorthodox but Deadly
Jasprit Bumrah burst onto the international scene in 2016 with a slingy, chest-on action, short run-up, and exceptional control over the seam and yorker lengths. He quickly became India’s go-to pacer across all formats.
However, this very uniqueness — minimal follow-through, hyper-extended elbows, and a whiplash release — is what experts believe makes him vulnerable.
- Injury History: Bumrah missed large chunks of 2022 and early 2023 due to a recurring stress fracture in his lower back.
- Workload Management: The BCCI and NCA have carefully managed his return, often resting him for bilateral series and using him sparingly before major ICC events.
- Bowling Mechanics: Experts have pointed out that his action loads too much pressure on his lumbar spine due to the abrupt deceleration post-delivery.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness Journey: A Constant Balancing Act
To his credit, Bumrah has worked diligently on his rehab, fitness, and strength conditioning. The pacer made a strong comeback ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup and continued to lead the bowling attack with precision.
Despite this, concerns persist:
- Long-Term Health: Given the nature of his injury — a stress reaction in the lower back, notoriously hard to recover from — doubts like Kapil’s are echoed in sports science circles too.
- Impact On Career Span: While fast bowlers generally have a shorter shelf life, those with high-impact actions tend to fade sooner unless workload is carefully managed.
Reactions From the Cricket World
Kapil Dev’s comments triggered a spectrum of reactions:
- Supporters argued that he’s raising a valid point and that Bumrah’s action, while effective now, may not support a decade-long career.
- Others disagreed, stating that modern sports science, biomechanics, and personalized rehab plans make it possible for even the most unique bowlers to thrive.
Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, in a contrasting opinion, once said:
“Bumrah’s action is unconventional, yes, but that’s his strength. It’s deceptive and gives him an edge. Injuries are part of fast bowling. It’s about how you manage them.”
What Lies Ahead for Jasprit Bumrah’s?
With India entering a transition phase across formats and grooming the next generation of quicks like Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar, Bumrah remains irreplaceable in terms of experience and skill.
However, the BCCI’s cautious usage of him — resting him from T20Is and selective bilateral tours — indicates they are aligned with Kapil’s caution, even if they don’t voice it.
A Wake-Up Call or Overcautious Alarm?
Kapil Dev’s candid assessment is not meant to criticize Bumrah but rather highlight a larger issue: the risk fast bowlers with unique actions face, especially in an era of increased workload, franchise commitments, and multi-format schedules.
Bumrah is a national treasure — a bowler who defied traditional mechanics and still conquered the cricketing world. But as Kapil suggests, preserving him for key tournaments and extending his peak years should now be a priority.
Because in a country always searching for match-winners with the ball, a fit Bumrah is still India’s most lethal weapon. ASIA CUP 2025
