Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has strongly criticized the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston. Shastri voiced his disapproval during a live broadcast, calling the decision "baffling" and "very strange". He directly blamed India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir for the non-selection of Bumrah, especially after India's loss in the first Test at Headingley.

Shastri emphasized the importance of having Bumrah, whom he considers "the best fast bowler in the world," play in a must-win game for India to stay alive in the series. He questioned the logic of resting Bumrah after a week-long break between matches, stating that "no ifs and buts, he should have been playing". Shastri highlighted that the decision to play Bumrah should primarily rest with the captain and head coach.

Shubman Gill, at the toss, confirmed Bumrah's fitness but indicated that the team management was prioritizing his workload management, with the aim of having him available for the third Test at Lord's, starting July 10, where they anticipate the pitch will favor him more. In Bumrah's place, seamer Akash Deep was included in the playing XI, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan.

Shastri's criticism was not isolated. Former England captain Michael Atherton, also part of the commentary team, expressed his surprise at the decision. Shastri responded emphatically, stating that if Bumrah was fit, he should have been an automatic selection.

The decision to rest Bumrah has sparked debate among fans and former players. Some argue that workload management is essential to prevent injuries, especially considering Bumrah's history with back problems. He had a second surgery for a lower back stress fracture in 2022 and has been under strict workload management guidelines since.

However, critics like Shastri contend that in a crucial Test match, especially with India already trailing in the series, the team should field its best possible阵容. Shastri dismissed the workload management claims, pointing out the week's gap between the two Test matches. He also alluded to India's recent struggles in Test cricket, emphasizing the need to secure a win.

Adding to the complexity, Bumrah has previously refuted reports about being advised "bed rest" for back injuries, dismissing such claims as "fake news" and deeming the sources "unreliable". This adds another layer to the discussion, raising questions about the accuracy and necessity of the workload management strategy in this particular instance.

Ultimately, the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah has ignited a controversy, with Ravi Shastri leading the charge against Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir for what he perceives as a detrimental team selection in a critical Test match.