The decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in just three of the five Tests against England was reportedly made during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This information comes from Team India's former strength and conditioning coach, Soham Desai.
Bumrah's workload management has become a significant topic of discussion, especially considering his importance to the Indian team across all formats. He had recently returned to red-ball cricket after recovering from a back injury. He played a crucial role in the first Test at Headingley, taking a five-wicket haul. However, India suffered a defeat, raising concerns about restricting Bumrah's playing time.
Concerns about Bumrah's workload aren't new. Since January 2024, he has bowled 410.4 overs in Test cricket, which is the most by any pacer in the world. This is significantly more than Mitchell Starc, who bowled 40.1 overs fewer. Bumrah's workload is particularly challenging because he is a first-choice player in all three formats for India.
The decision to potentially rest Bumrah for the second Test at Edgbaston has sparked debate. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed surprise at the reports suggesting Bumrah would only play three Tests. De Villiers believes that Test cricket is the "ultimate format" and that a fit Bumrah should be available for the entire series. He drew a comparison to how Dale Steyn was managed, being rested for less important T20 and ODI series to prepare him for major Test series.
Aakash Chopra questioned the decision to publicize Bumrah's limited availability, suggesting it would have been smarter to keep England guessing. Uncertainty surrounds Bumrah's participation in the second Test, leaving questions about how the team will adjust in his absence.
Bumrah's fitness update after the first Test indicated he was feeling "fresh and good" despite the cold conditions in England. He also addressed concerns about his longevity, stating that he focuses on his own work and leaves the rest to God, not getting bothered by what people say about his career.
The team management is looking to preserve Bumrah for the remainder of the series, with the third Test at Lord's scheduled shortly after the second. If Bumrah misses the second Test, Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the attack, and India might consider recalling Arshdeep Singh or including Kuldeep Yadav.
It is important to note that Bumrah was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower back injury, and Harshit Rana replaced him in the squad.
Ultimately, the decision to manage Bumrah's workload is aimed at ensuring his long-term availability, with considerations for the T20 World Cup in India next year and the ODI World Cup in 2027. While some question the strategy, the focus remains on protecting India's premier fast bowler from potential injury and maximizing his impact in crucial tournaments.
