London, June 26: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to feature in only two of the remaining four Tests in the ongoing five-match series against England, as part of a pre-determined workload management strategy. With the series finely poised after India’s defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, the question now is — which two matches will he play?
Bumrah made a strong impact in the first innings at Leeds, picking up 5 for 83 — his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests — but went wicketless in the second (0 for 57) as England successfully chased 371.
Concerns emerged over his fitness when he was not called upon to bowl in the final hour, but India captain Shubman Gill quickly dismissed any injury worries.
Gill, Gambhir Reiterate Pre-Series Plan
“No, no, he is completely fit. Nothing like that,” Gill said after the game. “There were only 15–20 runs left, so we just wanted to give it to some other bowlers, but he is definitely fit.”
The decision to limit Bumrah to three Tests in the series had already been communicated by the selectors when the squad was announced.
Despite the setback in Leeds, that plan remains unchanged. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill reiterated that Bumrah’s remaining appearances would be decided on a match-by-match basis.
“We’ve got a good break after this match. Once we reach Birmingham and assess the wicket, we’ll decide whether he plays or not,” said Gill.“For us, managing Bumrah’s workload is more important because there’s a lot of cricket coming up,” Gambhir added.
“Before the tour, it was already decided that he’s going to play three Test matches. But we haven’t decided which two of the remaining games he will play.”
Tests Ahead: Which Venues Are in Contention?
The venues for the remaining Tests are: Edgbaston (July 2–6); Lord’s (July 10–14); Old Trafford (July 23–27); The Oval (July 31–August 4).
Given the need to avoid back-to-back matches with only four-day gaps, Bumrah is unlikely to play the second and third Tests or the fourth and fifth. This leaves the most practical combinations as second and fourth, or third and fourth.
Tactical Calls: Edgbaston and Old Trafford Favoured
From a tactical standpoint, India could prioritise Bumrah’s inclusion at Edgbaston, especially with the team trailing 0-1.
A win there would level the series before heading to Lord’s, which has historically assisted both seamers and spinners, narrowing the gap between the bowling attacks.
If Bumrah is rested at Lord’s, he could return for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which features a 17-day gap from the second Test — easing workload concerns.
Pitch data since the advent of the Bazball era suggests Edgbaston and Old Trafford have favoured seamers while being challenging for spinners.
Lord’s, in contrast, has supported both disciplines. Given Bumrah’s elite skill set, India may prefer to deploy him at venues where their bowling unit needs extra edge — like Edgbaston and Old Trafford.
Scenarios That Could Alter the Plan
While the second and fourth Tests appear the most logical picks, multiple variables could alter that plan. If India lose both Edgbaston and Lord’s with Bumrah featuring in one of them, the management might choose to rest him for the final two games, limiting his appearance to just two matches.
On the other hand, if the series is still alive heading into The Oval, team management could be tempted to play him in a fourth Test — although this would go against the publicly stated strategy.
Bumrah’s Role: Timing, Impact and Long-Term Vision
For now, all signs point to Bumrah featuring at Edgbaston and returning at Old Trafford — two venues where his control and explosiveness could be pivotal.
Ultimately, India are not just managing a bowler — they’re managing a national treasure. With a history of injuries and a packed cricket calendar ahead, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Champions Trophy, and possibly the WTC final, overburdening Bumrah could prove costly.
Yet, this series also holds immense value, and slipping to 0-2 could all but seal its fate. Bumrah’s influence goes beyond wickets — he brings control, composure and a fear factor that few fast bowlers possess.
His appearances in this series will be dictated not just by form and fitness, but by strategy, context, and the weight of each match’s importance. And while the management has insisted on sticking to a three-Test limit, don’t be surprised if the equation changes — quietly, and only if the series demands it.
In the end, Jasprit Bumrah’s involvement in the remainder of the series won’t just be about physical readiness—it will be a matter of strategy, timing, and stakes. With the series finely balanced and the margin for error narrowing with each match, India will have to weigh the long-term importance of keeping Bumrah fresh against the immediate need for his match-winning presence. (Agencies)
