"What Happened to Jasprit Bumrah?": Kapil Dev's Take on BCCI and Indian Cricket

Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, known for his straightforward opinions, has voiced his concerns about the direction Indian cricket has taken in recent years. In a fiery interview, he questioned the commitment of Indian stars and their priorities when it comes to playing for the national team versus participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kapil also expressed his disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their poor management of player workloads. One player in particular who has caught Kapil's attention is ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of the Indian team for about a year. In this article, we delve into Kapil Dev's thoughts on Bumrah's situation and the state of Indian cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah's Progression Status
Kapil Dev expressed his concerns about the progression status of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been struggling with injuries and has been absent from the Indian team for a considerable period of time. With the ODI World Cup approaching, Kapil believes that it would be a waste of time if Bumrah doesn't recover in time for the mega event. In his interview with The Week, Kapil stated, "What happened to Bumrah? He started working with so much belief, but if he's not there (in World Cup semi-final/final)... we wasted time on him."

The Impact of Bumrah's Absence
Kapil Dev emphasized the significance of Jasprit Bumrah's absence in the Indian team and its impact on the team's performance. He believes that Bumrah's presence could have had a positive influence on the team's Test cricket. Kapil mentioned, "Rishabh Pant... such a great cricketer. Had he been there, our Test cricket would've been better." It is evident that Kapil feels the absence of key players like Bumrah and Pant has hindered the team's progress in various formats of the game.

IPL vs International Commitments
While Kapil Dev acknowledges the popularity and significance of the Indian Premier League (IPL), he is critical of players prioritizing the T20 league over their international commitments. He expressed his concerns about players playing in the IPL with minor injuries but sitting out when it comes to representing the national team. Kapil stated, "IPL is a great thing but IPL can spoil you also. Because, a little bit of injuries and you will play in IPL. A little bit of injuries, you won't play for India."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Player Workload
Kapil Dev did not shy away from criticizing the BCCI for their management of player workloads. He believes that the cricket board should take responsibility for regulating the amount of cricket players are exposed to. Kapil pointed out that players tend to prioritize important IPL games over playing for India, even with minor injuries. He blamed the lack of proper planning and calendars for the current state of affairs, stating that there is something wrong with the cricket board.

Finding a Balance
Kapil Dev emphasized the need for a balance between playing in the IPL and representing the national team. He acknowledged that players have a responsibility to look after themselves but also highlighted the importance of committing to international cricket. Kapil believes that the cricket board, players, and IPL should work together to find a solution that allows players to participate in the IPL while prioritizing their national duties.

Injuries and Player Welfare
Kapil Dev shared his own experiences with injuries and highlighted the toll that the current cricket schedule takes on players. He mentioned that players today play cricket for about 10 months in a year, which leaves little time for recovery and can lead to more injuries. Kapil believes that player welfare should be a priority, and the cricket board should consider the physical and mental well-being of the players when planning the cricket calendar.

The Way Forward
In conclusion, Kapil Dev's concerns about the state of Indian cricket and Jasprit Bumrah's absence from the Indian team shed light on the challenges faced by players and the need for better management of player workloads. Kapil's comments reflect a desire to see players prioritize their international commitments and strike a balance between playing in the IPL and representing their country. It remains to be seen how the BCCI and players will address these concerns and work towards a solution that benefits Indian cricket as a whole.