The looming five-Test series between India and England, starting on June 20, 2025, in Leeds, presents a critical question for the Indian team management: Should Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, play all five Tests? With key veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin absent, and Shubman Gill taking over as Test captain for the first time, the series already poses significant challenges. The availability and workload management of Jasprit Bumrah, especially considering his history of injuries, becomes paramount.
There are divided opinions on whether Bumrah should play all five Tests. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has indicated that Bumrah will likely not play all five Tests due to workload management concerns. This is primarily due to Bumrah's past injury struggles, including a back injury during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that sidelined him for four months. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, however, believes that Bumrah can play all five Tests if the other bowlers provide adequate support, preventing him from taking the "brunt of the workload". He emphasized the importance of the other bowlers stepping up, unlike the Australia series where Bumrah was the "lone warrior."
If Bumrah is rested or unable to play, India's bowling attack will need to adapt significantly. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack in Bumrah's absence. The likely bowling lineup could then include a combination of Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Kuldeep Yadav would likely be the specialist spinner. Aakash Chopra has suggested that if Shardul Thakur plays, he essentially plays as a "pure bowler" at No. 8, allowing for four proper fast-bowling options. The absence of Bumrah places greater responsibility on the other fast bowlers to perform consistently and take wickets. Mohammed Shami's absence further compounds the issue, placing additional pressure on the inexperienced pace attack.
The composition of the bowling attack will also depend on the conditions and the team's overall strategy. The inclusion of a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep Singh could provide a different dimension to the attack, especially considering that opposition players may not be well-prepared to face left-armers. All-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar could also play a role, providing both bowling and batting depth.
Ultimately, the decision on Bumrah's participation will depend on several factors, including his fitness, the match conditions, and the performance of the other bowlers. If the other bowlers can share the workload effectively, Bumrah playing all five Tests could significantly boost India's chances of winning the series. However, risking Bumrah's fitness could have long-term consequences. A balanced approach that prioritizes both performance and player well-being will be crucial for India in this high-stakes series against England.
