Jasprit Bumrah’s Unique Action is a Double-Edged Sword, Says McGrath
Glenn McGrath, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, has offered a candid and deeply insightful take on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Known for his precision, unique action, and incredible temperament, Bumrah has emerged as the backbone of India’s fast-bowling attack. However, McGrath believes that the very bowling style that makes Bumrah lethal also makes him vulnerable — physically.
In a recent conversation about fast bowling longevity, McGrath acknowledged Bumrah’s undeniable brilliance but warned that the unorthodox nature of his bowling action could place tremendous strain on his body. He emphasized the need for proper workload management and recommended that Bumrah should be granted a dedicated off-season each year to prolong his career.
Bumrah’s Unorthodox Magic
Jasprit Bumrah burst onto the international scene in 2016 with an action that defied the classical rhythm of fast bowling. Short run-up, slingy action, and sharp, skiddy pace — Bumrah quickly became a nightmare for batters across all formats. From death-over mastery in T20s to red-ball devastation overseas, he redefined what an Indian fast bowler could achieve.
But for every cricket lover marveling at Bumrah's deliveries, biomechanists and physiologists have also been analyzing his bowling mechanics with equal fascination — and concern.
“Bumrah has a very unique action,” said McGrath. “He’s not someone who relies on a long, rhythmic run-up or classical high-arm delivery. His power comes from explosive movement and shoulder load — which is incredibly taxing over time.”
The Warning Signs Are Already Visible
Bumrah has already missed significant chunks of cricket due to injury. A stress fracture in his back in 2019 kept him out for months, and his return has been closely monitored by India’s medical team ever since. Though he made a spectacular comeback, even captaining India and taking wickets with ease, the underlying concern remains — how long can his body take it?
McGrath, who himself played 124 Tests and 250 ODIs with remarkable fitness, said consistency and longevity come from smart planning and rest. “If you’re bowling that many overs with that kind of action, you need more downtime than someone with a smoother, more traditional action,” he noted.
The Science of Bumrah’s Action
Experts have long pointed out that Bumrah’s biomechanics involve greater pressure on the spine and lower back due to the vertical stress and abrupt deceleration in his follow-through. While it allows him to generate deceptive pace and unusual angles, the same style increases the risk of injury.
“His action doesn’t give him momentum from the run-up; it comes almost entirely from the core and upper body,” said a former India trainer. “Over 15–20 overs in a Test match, that adds up fast.”
And yet, Bumrah’s numbers are staggering — over 150 Test wickets at an average of less than 23, and match-winning performances across South Africa, England, and Australia. He continues to be India’s go-to man in crunch situations.
Workload Management is Key
McGrath’s core suggestion is simple but critical: Bumrah needs to be managed like a rare asset — not overused, not rushed back, and not overburdened with formats.
“He should have an off-season where he plays no cricket. That might mean skipping a few IPL games or bilateral white-ball series,” said McGrath. “But that kind of disciplined rest period can add years to his career.”
India’s packed schedule, from international tours to franchise cricket, offers little breathing space. For a player like Bumrah, who is in demand across all formats, it becomes even harder to strike a balance.
In recent years, India’s rotation policy has helped rest key bowlers. Bumrah, too, has been kept out of certain series, but McGrath suggests this needs to be more structured — perhaps modeled on how Australia handles Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Comparisons with Other Greats
McGrath’s comments invite a broader reflection on fast bowling in the modern era. Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar, Shane Bond — all gifted pacers who saw their careers shortened by injury. On the other hand, bowlers like James Anderson and McGrath himself played well into their mid-to-late 30s with fewer injuries.
“Longevity is not just about luck; it’s about choices,” McGrath emphasized. “You train differently, you bowl smarter, and you choose when to rest.”
India’s Strategic Dilemma
For the Indian team management, McGrath’s advice is both timely and challenging. With the T20 World Cup, WTC cycle, and the next ODI World Cup looming in coming years, India will want Bumrah firing on all cylinders. But at what cost?
There is also the commercial and public pressure — Bumrah is a fan favorite, an IPL superstar, and a headline attraction. Sitting him out for rest is not always a popular decision, even if it’s medically sound.
Yet, if India wants to see him still bowling in 2030, the hard calls need to be made now. As McGrath puts it, “The goal should be to keep him fit for the big games, not every game.”
Bumrah’s Own Outlook
Bumrah, for his part, has often spoken about the importance of fitness and adaptability. He has tailored his gym routines, focused on strengthening key muscle groups, and worked closely with physiotherapists. His ability to evolve as a bowler — adding inswingers, slower balls, and reverse swing — shows that he’s always thinking ahead.
Still, the onus is not just on him. Team management, BCCI planners, and even franchises have a role to play in ensuring he gets the off-season McGrath advocates.
Preserve the Crown Jewel
Jasprit Bumrah is not just a fast bowler — he’s a generational talent whose rise has inspired countless young cricketers across India. But to ensure that this golden era of Indian fast bowling continues, players like Bumrah must be preserved with foresight and care.
Glenn McGrath’s comments are not criticism but concern — from one master craftsman to another. And perhaps that’s exactly what Bumrah needs now: fewer overs, more planning, and the luxury of a real off-season. Only then can the magic last.