Bumrah's Workload Under Scrutiny: India Weighs Rest for Pacer in Second England Test

The Indian cricket team faces a crucial decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming second Test against England, commencing July 2.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Prior to the series, it was agreed that the premier fast bowler would feature in only three of the five Tests to effectively manage his physical condition and prevent potential burnout. While the specific matches were not initially disclosed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Bumrah himself confirmed this plan in an interview, and head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated the importance of workload management in a post-match press conference.

Following a demanding 44-over spell in the Headingley Test, the team management and Bumrah are now evaluating the need for rest. The relatively short turnaround between the second and third Tests presents a strong incentive to rest Bumrah for the Birmingham match, ensuring his availability for the Lord's Test starting July 10. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule him out of contention for the subsequent Test due to the limited recovery time.

Gambhir emphasized that the series scoreline will not dictate Bumrah's selection; the decision will be based solely on managing his workload to ensure his fitness for future engagements.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, recognizing the allure of playing Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series, while also keeping the Lord's Test in mind.

“Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri said on Sky Sports Cricket.

If Bumrah is rested for the second Test, the team must address the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. The Indian bowling attack, even with Bumrah, lacked penetration in the first Test, making this replacement decision even more critical.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad has suggested including Arshdeep Singh in place of Bumrah, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are also gaining momentum due to his unique skills. The Indian team's strategy will become clearer in the coming days, but a revamped bowling lineup is a distinct possibility for the Birmingham Test.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London