India is still on edge about whether fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will be back in time for the Champions Trophy, and now they’ve got another issue to deal with regarding his workload. Bumrah picked up a back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia last month, putting his chances of playing in the upcoming ICC tournament in jeopardy. Former South African bowler Vernon Philander thinks India should be looking at the bigger picture when it comes to Bumrah’s situation.

After the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Bumrah was advised to cut down on his workload due to back spasms he experienced during the last Test, which forced him to sit out the final two days. He also missed the T20I series against England at home and didn’t play in the Ranji Trophy, as many of India’s Test regulars returned to domestic cricket following a new BCCI directive. On Tuesday, he was quietly left out of the ODI series against Jos Buttler's team.

With no official updates on Bumrah's recovery, he’s set to have a medical check-up at the NCA in Bengaluru before the selectors decide on his participation in the Champions Trophy. Philander reminded everyone about the packed calendar year and the strain it puts on bowlers like Bumrah.

"Bumrah has really raised the bar. His skill set and ability to change his pace are just fantastic for the game. When you consider how many games India plays throughout the year, the workload is pretty intense," Philander mentioned during a media chat at SA20.

"It’s really about how the Indian management handles him. You want someone like Jasprit Bumrah to be available for all the important series and tournaments, so they need to be smart about managing his workload between those events," the former cricketer turned commentator added.

BCCI is getting ready for a serious talk with Bumrah

Philander is really pushing India to think twice about using Bumrah in every series, admitting it’s going to be a tough conversation with the bowler. He raised an important question about how head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar plan to handle Bumrah's workload during the IPL, especially since the Mumbai Indians want him to play every match after shelling out INR 18 crore to keep him.

"With the IPL around the corner, you definitely want him on the field for most games, but managing his workload during the season is key. It might be smart to have him play in the crucial matches while giving other bowlers a chance in the less significant ones," Philander, who has taken 224 wickets in 64 Tests for South Africa, explained.

"But it’s a tough discussion because as a bowler, you want to be out there breaking records and just keep playing," he added.

On the topic of bowlers' workloads in general, Philander mentioned that it’s going to be a hot topic leading up to the Champions Trophy.

"From a bowling load management perspective, fitness trainers and physios need to steer the conversation about what’s feasible for each player.

"With leagues popping up everywhere and a limited number of balls in your arm, it’s crucial to make sure you’re using those balls wisely in the right competitions. The Champions Trophy is coming up, and I think that’s going to be a big discussion point too," he said.

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