Jasprit Bumrah eyes 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as cricket returns after 128 years

Ahead of the 2025 England Test series, Jasprit Bumrah opens up on his career's physical demands and his emotional journey, revealing his ambition to represent India at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking cricket's historic return to the Games after more than a century.

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India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, recently honored with the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Men's Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2024, is setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return after a 128-year hiatus.

At 31, Bumrah is acutely aware of the physical demands of international cricket, having already missed significant time due to back injuries. He emphasized the importance of workload management across formats, stating, "But eventually, you have to understand where your body is going and what the important tournaments are, so you have to be a little selective and smart about how you use your body."

Bumrah's motivation to represent India at the Olympics adds a new dimension to his career goals. "However, Bumrah termed the desire to represent India in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 as a motivating factor for him. Cricket will be a part of LA 2028, a first for the sport since 1900," highlighting the historic significance of the event.

Currently preparing for the five-Test series in England starting June 20, which will also kick off the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, Bumrah expressed excitement despite challenges like adapting to the Duke ball. He remains confident in India's bowling attack, saying, "I do love bowling with it," and believes the team can trouble any opposition.

Reflecting on his career, Bumrah acknowledged the finite nature of his journey: "So yeah, this journey will not always go on, but whenever it ends, I want to give it back to the sport. Because whatever I have and whatever I have learnt in life is through this sport."

With 205 wickets in 45 Tests and comparisons to Indian fast bowling legends, Bumrah continues to be a pivotal figure in Indian cricket as he balances ambition, physical limits, and the historic opportunity of Olympic cricket's return.

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India's Jasprit Bumrah, ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 2024, eyes representing cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking the sport's return after 128 years. At 31, Bumrah balances workload and injuries while preparing for the 2025-27 World Test Championship and England's five-Test series starting June 20.

The Headline

Bumrah preps for England Tests, eyes 2028 Olympics

So yeah, this journey will not always go on, but whenever it ends, I want to give it back to the sport. Because whatever I have and whatever I have learnt in life is through this sport.

Jasprit Bumrah

Key Facts

Jasprit Bumrah has played eight away Tests against England, taking 37 wickets at an average of 23.78, showcasing his effectiveness in English conditions.
Bumrah won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Men's Test Cricketer of the Year in 2024, recognizing his outstanding performances across formats.
Ahead of the 2025 England Test series starting June 20, Bumrah expressed excitement about bowling with the Duke ball and adapting to swinging English conditions.
Bumrah acknowledged the physical toll of playing across all three formats and emphasized the importance of managing workload smartly to sustain performance.3
Bumrah expressed strong confidence in India's bowling attack, stating they have the capability to trouble any team in any conditions.
Bumrah revealed his emotional reflections on his career, stating he will retire when he has 'burnt the candle at both ends' and is motivated to represent India in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket returns after 128 years.2

Key Stats at a Glance

Wickets taken by Bumrah in eight away Tests against England

37 wickets

Bowling average of Bumrah in eight away Tests against England

23.78 average

Year Bumrah won Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year

2024 year

Year cricket returns to Olympics

2028 year

Years since cricket last featured in Olympics

128 years

Background Context

India's Test struggles in England and Bumrah's career context

Key Facts

India has not won a Test series in England since 2007, with the closest effort being a 2-2 draw in 2021.
Bumrah has played 45 Tests overall, taking 205 wickets, establishing himself as India's bowling spearhead despite not being among the top historical wicket-takers.
Bumrah is compared to Indian fast bowling legends like Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, and Zaheer Khan after just nine years and 45 Tests.
Bumrah has faced significant time away due to back injuries and is mindful of his career trajectory and physical limitations at age 31.2

Key Stats at a Glance

Years since India last won a Test series in England

17 years

Result of India vs England Test series in 2021

2-2

Total Tests played by Bumrah

45 matches

Total wickets taken by Bumrah in Tests

205 wickets

Age of Jasprit Bumrah

31 years

Time lost by Bumrah due to back injuries

1 year

Jasprit Bumrah eyes 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as cricket returns after 128 years

Bumrah preps for England Tests, eyes 2028 Olympics

India's Test struggles in England and Bumrah's career context

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