At 32, and with a knee that’s flaring up again, the fast-bowling maestro is being cautiously managed. The BCCI’s Sports Science team in Bengaluru isn’t taking risks, especially with a packed calendar ahead. What’s worrying? India’s already missing Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep; all due to injuries. This isn’t bad luck. It’s a pattern. When your top bowler gets sidelined because his body can’t keep up with the workload, it’s time to rethink how we’re managing player fitness. The WTC standings matter, yes; but so does protecting your star assets. Because if Bumrah’s not on the field, India’s Test chances take a serious hit. The real question isn’t who replaces him; it’s who’s next in line to get hurt.