India's team management faces a critical, last-minute decision regarding the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming second Test against England, as they aim to level the five-match series. The match is set to begin on Wednesday at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Bumrah's availability is a major point of discussion. While India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has confirmed that Bumrah is "available" for selection, a final decision is yet to be made. According to ten Doeschate, the decision will hinge on several factors, including match conditions, Bumrah's workload, and how best to manage him across the remaining four Tests.
The series began with a disappointing five-wicket loss for India at Headingley, where England successfully chased down a target of 371. Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, had a mixed performance in the first Test, taking 5-83 in the first innings but going wicketless in the second. This inconsistency highlighted the need for a well-supported bowling attack. Following the first test, head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that the plan to only utilize Bumrah for three of the five matches would not change.
Bumrah's workload management is a key concern, especially considering his recent return from a back injury. Before the series, Bumrah had indicated that he expected to play in only three of the five Tests. According to reports, the decision to limit Bumrah to three Tests was made during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Soham Desai, Team India's former strength and conditioning coach, revealed that this plan was formulated after Bumrah's back spasm during the last Test against Australia, which caused him to miss three months of cricket.
Despite the temptation to play Bumrah in all matches, the team management is wary of overburdening him, especially with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at stake. There have been suggestions to use Bumrah in all five Tests, but the management is prioritizing his long-term fitness. Bumrah bowled 43.4 overs in the first Test at Headingley.
The Indian camp may consider including left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to add variety to their attack. India could alter the balance of their attack by bringing in Kuldeep Yadav, who didn't feature at Headingley. Yadav has taken 56 wickets at 22.16 in 13 Tests. India's batting lineup also needs to address the collapses that occurred in the first Test. Batting collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 proved costly for India at Headingley.
With India trailing 0-1 in the series, Bumrah's inclusion in the second Test could be crucial. His presence would undoubtedly boost the team's morale and strengthen their bowling attack, which looked weak in the first match. Videos circulating on social media show Bumrah bowling at full speed during a recent training session, further fueling speculation about his return to the playing XI.
Ultimately, the decision rests on assessing all factors and determining the best course of action for both the team's immediate needs and Bumrah's long-term well-being.
