Jasprit Bumrah’s action is not sustainable: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakan pacer Shoaib Akhtar said that the “unusual bowling action” and lack of “workload management” has made India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah injury prone.
The fast bowler has been sidelined since August 2022, missing multiple T20I series as well as the Asia Cup. He recovered in time to play two T20Is against Australia, but aggravated his injury, missed the T20 World Cup, and is yet to return since.
Akhtar explains the reasons behind Bumrah’s recurring back injury.
“He has this front-on action and when he loads up before delivering the bowl he puts a lot of pressure on his spinal cord. We used to be side-on, and bowlers like me we could take help from our hips, thighs, from left hand as well and that used to compensate (for the pressure on the back). Unfortunately, Jasprit doesn’t have that leverage,” Akhtar told Sports Tak.

“A front-on action has no compensation and with that action, when the back gives in, you can’t escape it irrespective of how much you try.”
Shoaib also lamented Indian team management for not being able to manage Bumrah.
“The amount of cricket he has played he will break down. He was a regular in all three formats then he was playing IPL. His action is not that sustainable,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate, I feel India could have managed him a bit better. And he himself should have been more aware of which format he should play and which he should skip,” he added.
Back problems are nothing new for India’s foremost pacer. His current injury is his longest period on the sidelines, but as recently as 2019-20, he spent three months out after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back.
Shoaib also suggested what Bumrah needs to do to stay fit and prolong his career.
He said: “If I have been in the management, I would have told him to play only three ODIs out of five and play only the crucial one.
“More training and less matches will prolong his career. He needs a lot of muscle in his back.”

Bumrah’s open-chested, front-on bowling action needs careful execution to avoid injuries. While Bumrah’s action is a major reason for him being one of the world’s best, finding pace, deceiving batsmen, and being able to swing the ball both ways. It is also extremely physical.
“You can’t change his action, he has done so well with this action. He is a brave bowler and it makes me sad to see him going through this phase. I wish him a speedy recovery,” said Akhtar.