“It Could Be 2-0 Down” – Ravi Shastri Warns India Over Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability for 2nd Test
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a stark warning to the Indian team management ahead of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, Shastri believes resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the next game could cost India dearly.
India lost the first Test at Headingley by five wickets despite scoring five centuries — a first in Test history for a losing team. Jasprit Bumrah was one of the rare bright spots for India, finishing with 5/83 in England’s first innings. However, he went wicketless in the second innings as England chased down 371 runs with relative ease.
Workload Management and Gambhir’s Stand
Despite the series deficit, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that the team is sticking with the pre-decided plan of using Bumrah in only three out of the five Tests to manage his workload, given his history of back injuries.
“It was already decided that he’s going to play three Test matches,” Gambhir said. “We haven’t decided which two other Tests he’ll play. But let’s see how his body responds.”
Shastri: India Cannot Afford to Rest Bumrah Now
Ravi Shastri, speaking on Sky Cricket, emphasized the urgency of the situation and said India cannot afford to rest Bumrah in the second Test, as going 2-0 down in the series could be disastrous.
“If Bumrah is rested at Edgbaston, it could be 2-0 down. That’s the problem. I think he has got to play. If you want to win the series or even draw it, the counterpunch has to come immediately in the next match,” Shastri warned.
Shastri believes that Bumrah should definitely play the Lord’s Test and possibly even be brought back at Edgbaston if India wants any real chance of bouncing back.
The Bigger Picture – Gambhir vs. Shastri Philosophy
While Gambhir insists on the long-term view and the importance of building a sustainable pace attack, Shastri insists that the moment demands India’s best weapon be used without compromise.
“Back when we lost 3-0 in New Zealand, lost a series in Australia — and now you’ve blown the advantage here in Leeds. You’ve got to show character. This team has to throw a knockout punch in Birmingham,” Shastri added.
India’s Bowling Depth Tested
India’s bowling in the first Test was exposed, with only Bumrah showing control and penetration. The supporting seamers looked inexperienced and failed to apply consistent pressure. Shastri pointed out that while India does have potential in the young attack, experience matters more in conditions like England.
Gambhir also acknowledged this in his post-match comments:
“Earlier we had four fast bowlers with more than 40 Tests each. Now, we’re backing young bowlers. They’ve got potential, but they need time.”
What Lies Ahead
With the second Test at Edgbaston starting July 2, the Indian think tank faces a tough decision: stick to their plan of resting Bumrah or field him again to save the series. Bumrah’s fitness and match-readiness will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the game.
Shastri’s warning rings loud: If Bumrah doesn’t play, and India goes 0-2 down, the series might be out of reach.
Key Fixture:
2nd Test – India vs England
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Date: July 2–6, 2025
India must regroup quickly to mount a strong comeback — and the decision on Bumrah could make or break their campaign.
