Shoaib Akhtar Advises Jasprit Bumrah to Quit Test Cricket, Focus on Shorter Formats

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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has suggested that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah should consider stepping away from Test cricket to focus on shorter formats. Speaking on the TNKS Podcast, Akhtar raised concerns about Bumrah's ability to sustain success in Test cricket.

As per Akhtar, it's due to Bumrah's "lack of pace" and the physical demands of the longest format. "You know, in Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. The batters don't try to attack you, so length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn't seam then," Shoaib Akhtar said.

Referencing Bumrah's struggles in the home series against New Zealand, he added, "When you start struggling, the team will start questioning. I think he is a good enough fast bowler to take wickets in Test cricket." Akhtar acknowledged Bumrah's success in limited-overs cricket.

He praised his mastery of line, length, and accuracy. "He is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats. He understands line and length. His accuracy is brilliant. I think he does a great job in death overs, in powerplay and he can swing the ball both ways," Akhtar remarked.

Concerns Over Injuries

While Bumrah is currently leading the wicket tally in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 12 scalps at an average of 11.25, Akhtar warned that increasing pace to adapt to Test cricket could heighten injury risks.

"Although he didn't do much in the Test series against New Zealand, it happens. But if he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he has to increase pace. With the injection of increasing pace, he has a high risk of getting injured," Akhtar explained.

Workload Management and Test Cricket Performance

Bumrah has been managing his workload carefully to remain fit for all formats, playing a pivotal role in India's historic victory in Perth and contributing significantly in the ongoing series against Australia. Despite these performances, Akhtar's advice for Bumrah was clear: "If I was Jasprit Bumrah, I'd stick to shorter formats. It only depends on how I feel."

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hangs in the balance at 1-1, Bumrah's performance in the remaining matches will be closely scrutinized. However, Akhtar's comments have sparked debate about the pacer's future in Test cricket and his ability to balance workload while maintaining his stellar record across formats.