“You Make Him Sit Out”: Ravi Shastri Slams India For Dropping Jasprit Bumrah In 2nd Test

The second Test of the high-stakes India vs England series has begun, but India’s decision to rest ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has drawn widespread criticism. Fans were left stunned by the exclusion, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri did not hold back in expressing his disapproval.

Ravi Shastri Lashes Out Over Bumrah’s Absence

Speaking on Sky Sports, Shastri called the move baffling, especially considering India’s recent overseas Test struggles. He stressed the significance of this Test match, pointing out that India has lost series to New Zealand, Australia, and dropped the first Test at Headingley as well.

“Certainly not. This becomes a very, very important Test match. You lost three against New Zealand, three against Australia, lost the first Test here – and you want to get back to winning ways. You’ve got the best fast bowler in the world, and after seven days of rest, you make him sit out? That’s very hard to believe,” Shastri said.

Manjrekar Echoes Shastri’s Sentiments

Shastri isn’t alone. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, also questioned the logic of resting Bumrah so early in the series. He suggested the team needs to balance workload management with the series context, especially when the pressure to bounce back is high.

India’s XI: Big Calls, Big Pressure

India has brought in Akash Deep to replace Bumrah. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have replaced Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan respectively. With Bumrah absent, the responsibility to lead the pace attack now falls on Mohammed Siraj, who must step up in swinging English conditions.

While workload management is a key priority, many believe this was not the match to rest a game-changer like Bumrah—especially when facing a dangerous England side in familiar conditions.

India must now prove their choices right as they look to level the series at Edgbaston.