‘It comes down to communication’ – Shivam Mavi shares perspective on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload debate [Exclusive]

Indian pacer Shivam Mavi recently opened up on the topic of workload management and whether players should prioritize their workload and have the freedom to pick and choose certain matches or series. A lot of discussion has centred on the type of parameters which should guide workload management, especially in the case of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Mavi stressed on ‘communication’ between various stakeholders being central to the topic. He also opined that intensity and pace should be considered while measuring workload as well, and not just by the number of overs bowled in simplistic terms.  

“It depends a lot on the series scoreline, but more importantly, it comes down to communication. Whenever the topic of workload comes up, it often seems to go against the player. But players are professionals; they don’t hide the truth. It’s all about clear communication. For example, another bowler might be able to bowl more overs than me, depending on their strength and fitness. Workload can be measured not just by the number of overs bowled, but also by the intensity and pace at which they’re bowled,” stated in an exclusive conversation with CricTracker.

The Noida-born further reflected on Jasprit Bumrah‘s situation in the recent England tour and reasoned it would have been hard on the Indian team to perform at the optimal level by over-relying on him. He also pointed out Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s contributions in the series, who stood up and shined in their added responsibilities in Bumrah’s absence.

“Physios and coaches are in the best position to assess workload management. Bumrah bhai had communicated well before the England series that he would only play three out of the five Tests. If we had been overdependent on him, it would’ve been difficult for us, since he needed to offload his workload. Thankfully, other bowlers like Siraj and Prasidh stepped up, took on the responsibility, and helped us draw the series 2-2,” added Mavi.

Bumrah, who only played three out of the five Tests for India in the series against England, will feature in the upcoming Asia Cup. The Men in Blue are placed in Group A along with the likes of Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates and will begin their campaign on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to defend their title.

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