Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has raised a serious question about the long-term future of Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah. Speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath, a maestro of fast bowling himself, expressed his concerns over Bumrah's unique, high-stress bowling action and the relentless, year-round cricketing schedule. His comments come amidst ongoing discussions about Bumrah's workload management, with the star pacer recently being rested from a crucial Test against England. McGrath's expert opinion serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between a bowler's match-winning talent and their physical well-being.

The Physical Toll: A Unique Action, a Constant Risk

McGrath's primary concern revolves around the biomechanics of Bumrah's bowling. He highlighted that Bumrah's unconventional, "unique" action puts more stress on his body compared to other fast bowlers. While this action is what makes him a lethal and unpredictable force, it also leaves him vulnerable to injury, particularly back-related issues. McGrath noted that throughout his career, Bumrah has had a pattern of getting injured when playing back-to-back matches, a fact that has been a constant headache for the Indian team management.

The Australian great emphasized that Bumrah is a match-winner who should be playing as many games as possible. However, he also stressed that it is a "tough one" for the Indian team management, who have to make difficult decisions to manage his workload. The recent decision to rest him for the fifth and final Test against England, despite the series being on the line, is a prime example of the cautious approach being taken to preserve his fitness.

The Lack of an Off-Season: A Recipe for Disaster?

Another major point of concern for McGrath is the absence of a "proper off-season" for fast bowlers in the modern era, particularly in India. He likened it to "driving a car and not filling it up with fuel," warning that a fast bowler's body will inevitably break down without adequate rest. McGrath believes that a proper off-season, which should ideally last for a couple of months, is essential for a pacer to recover, get stronger, and prepare for the demands of the upcoming season.

With Indian cricketers playing year-round across multiple formats, from international tours to the Indian Premier League (IPL), an extended break is a luxury few can afford. McGrath's comments underscore the need for a more structured and proactive approach to managing the workload of premier bowlers like Bumrah, who are assets not just for their franchises but for the national team as well.

The Burden of the Pace Attack: A Call for Depth

McGrath also touched upon the burden on Bumrah's shoulders. He argued that the lack of a strong group of other fast bowlers to share the workload forces Bumrah to bowl longer spells than he should. He said that a bowling attack needs to be a unit where all bowlers can "carry the workload" so that the team's best bowler doesn't have to be overused. McGrath's observations are a call to action for Indian cricket to invest in and nurture a larger pool of talented fast bowlers to ensure the longevity of its best asset.

Ultimately, while McGrath's comments are a warning about the risks associated with Bumrah's career, they are also a testament to his unmatched talent. The onus is now on the Indian team, and Bumrah himself, to find the perfect balance between playing and resting, ensuring that one of the world's finest fast bowlers can continue to grace the cricket field for years to come.