Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload and ‘Ro-Ko’ Form: “No Comparisons Across Generations”

The former World Cup-winning captain reflects on Bumrah’s workload, generational differences, and the struggles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket.

New Delhi, January 13: Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has weighed in on discussions surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and the disappointing form of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the 2024-25 Test season.

Speaking at a press event for the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), Kapil emphasized that comparisons between players of different generations are unfair and unwarranted.

On Bumrah’s Workload

Responding to a query about Bumrah’s workload in modern cricket compared to his era, Kapil said:
“Do not compare. You just cannot compare one generation with the other. For instance, our generation did not use to score 300 runs, but nowadays, such scores are easier. But it was not the case in our times.”

Kapil Dev, who bowled a staggering 284 overs in the 1991-92 five-match Test series against Australia, acknowledged the differences in cricket across eras.

Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was instrumental in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was named Player of the Series. Bumrah scalped 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, with three five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/76. He bowled 151.2 overs during the series but was sidelined in the final innings of the fifth Test due to back issues.

On Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Form

Addressing the underwhelming performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Kapil offered reassurance, saying:
“They are both big players. When they feel it is not the right time to play, they will hang up their boots on their own.”

The 2024-25 Test season was one to forget for India’s most prolific modern-day batters.

• Rohit Sharma: Scored only 164 runs in 15 innings across eight matches, averaging a dismal 10.93, with a single half-century.
• Virat Kohli: Managed 382 runs in 19 innings across 10 matches, averaging 22.87, with just one century and one fifty.

Kapil’s balanced approach reflects his belief in the ability of players like Bumrah, Rohit, and Virat to overcome challenges and adapt to the demands of modern cricket.