The Secret to Jasprit Bumrah’s Remarkable Recovery from a Career-Threatening Back Injury
Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s premier pacers, went through a challenging phase in his career due to a severe back injury. However, his remarkable recovery and stellar performance at the World Cup have left cricket enthusiasts in awe. In this article, we will delve into the secret behind Bumrah’s recovery, the obstacles he faced, and how he emerged as one of the best pacers in the world.
They haven’t been the same after back injuries and surgeries, from Dennis Lillee to Jeff Thompson to Shane Bond. And, considering Bumrah’s unusual movement, which is known to cause injuries, there were even more reasons to be concerned.
According to those in the know, the game changer was a review meeting held in the first week of January 2023. While a precise workload management plan was being implemented, a new setback with Bumrah occurred. The back problem reappeared after being picked into the T20 side for the series against Sri Lanka on the basis of passing a fitness test.
The Back Injury and Initial Setbacks
Bumrah’s journey towards recovery began in October 2022 when he suffered a career-threatening back injury. The extent of the injury and the subsequent surgery were kept under wraps, with only former Indian cricketer and NCA chief, VVS Laxman, assigned as the sole representative to receive regular updates on Bumrah’s recovery process. The lack of transparency surrounding the injury raised questions about the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) operations and the well-being of other injured Indian pacers.
The Nature of Bumrah’s Injury and the Road to Recovery
Back injuries, particularly stress fractures, have had a significant impact on the careers of many fast bowlers. Given Bumrah’s unique bowling action, which is considered prone to injury, there were concerns about his ability to regain full fitness. The fear was that he may not be able to deliver his lethal yorkers with the same intensity and precision. However, Bumrah defied expectations and proved his doubters wrong during the World Cup, where he showcased his bowling prowess and contributed significantly to India’s success.
The Meticulously Laid Out Rehab Plan
The key to Bumrah’s successful recovery lies in the meticulously planned rehabilitation program designed by the staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the Indian team management. After undergoing surgery in New Zealand, Bumrah embarked on a comprehensive rehab journey under the guidance of trainer S Rajnikanth. The focus was not only on physical fitness but also on mental well-being, as the road to recovery can be mentally challenging for any athlete.
Aqua Training and Strength Building
Bumrah’s rehab began with aqua training, lasting nearly a month, to gradually build his strength. The NCA staff ensured that his mind remained distracted from the monotony of the rehab process, incorporating elements such as playing his favorite songs in the gym and providing his favorite cheat meals. Additionally, the presence of other injured players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul at the NCA during this time helped create a supportive environment.
Gradual Increase in Workload
During the rehab process, Bumrah gradually increased his workload through a phase called the loading phase. This involved starting with bowling one or two overs and gradually progressing to 30 balls a day. Close monitoring was essential to prevent him from overexerting himself in the enthusiasm of returning to the field.
Net Sessions and Simulating Match Situations
To prepare Bumrah for match situations, the NCA staff ensured that his net sessions were structured to simulate real-game scenarios. Initially, he bowled to a single batsman, but as his workload increased, he faced multiple batsmen. This approach helped him regain his match rhythm and adapt to different game situations.
Return to International Cricket
Thanks to the well-executed rehab plan, Bumrah made his return to international cricket earlier than anticipated. He featured in India’s T20Is in Ireland in mid-August and continued to impress with his performance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) closely monitored his workload during the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup to ensure his fitness and availability.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Workload Management
Bumrah’s recovery journey serves as a lesson for the Indian cricketing ecosystem regarding the importance of workload management. With a packed schedule ahead, including five home Tests against England, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup in 2024, it is crucial to prioritize player fitness and avoid rushing them back from injuries. Proper coordination between the selectors, team management, and medical staff is essential to ensure that players are fresh and ready to perform at their best.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery from a career-threatening back injury to become one of the world’s best pacers at the World Cup is a testament to his determination and the support he received from the NCA and the Indian team management. The meticulous planning, gradual increase in workload, and focus on mental well-being played vital roles in his successful comeback. As India looks ahead to future tournaments, effective workload management will be crucial in maintaining the players’ fitness and performance levels.
