Jasprit Bumrah's fitness has been a major talking point in Indian cricket recently, with concerns arising from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in January 2025. This injury led to him being sidelined, causing him to miss India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign and raising doubts about his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Bumrah's importance to both the Indian national team and his IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI), cannot be overstated. He is considered one of the best bowlers in the world, known for his unique action, pace, and accuracy. His ability to take wickets and contain runs in crucial moments makes him a game-changer in all formats of the game. In his previous series in Australia, he picked up 32 wickets across five matches.
Currently, Bumrah is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene has stated that Bumrah is being monitored daily and is in good spirits, but his return timeline remains uncertain. While there was no official timeline given on his recovery, an earlier report mentioned that Bumrah is likely to join the MI squad by early April. It's also worth noting that Bumrah has been a one-franchise player since making his IPL debut for MI in 2013, amassing 165 wickets in 133 matches.
The decision to include Bumrah in the Test squad for the England series has raised eyebrows, considering his recent injury struggles. While his presence undoubtedly strengthens the team, the risk of aggravating his injury looms large. Former MI bowling coach Shane Bond cautioned against excessive workload, emphasizing the need to manage Bumrah's workload carefully, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Bond suggested limiting him to a maximum of two consecutive Tests in England, highlighting the potential career-ending risk of another injury to the same spot.
The Indian team management appears to be adopting a safety-first approach, prioritizing Bumrah's long-term fitness over immediate gains. This strategy is understandable, given India's dependence on Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who are both prone to injuries. Selectors are wary of planning the entire tour around these two seamers and want to ensure they are available for key Test matches. However, this cautious approach also means that India might need to rely on other fast bowlers to step up and perform consistently.
The emergence of young talents like Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh offers a glimmer of hope for India's fast-bowling future. Harshit Rana is strong and well-built, and is perhaps the best hit-the-deck bowler among the lot. Akash brings accuracy and Arshdeep the left-arm angle. The team management will need to provide them with ample opportunities and support to hone their skills and gain experience.
Ultimately, the Bumrah situation reflects the delicate balance between risk and reward in modern cricket. While his inclusion in the squad is a testament to his importance, managing his workload and ensuring his fitness will be crucial for India's success in the England Test series and beyond.
