Should India Rest Jasprit Bumrah or Play Him With Series on the Line?
With India slipping to their second defeat on the England tour, the team management is faced with a familiar and critical dilemma: should Jasprit Bumrah be rested as per the original workload plan, or should he play the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford with the series on the line?
India began the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series with a disappointing loss in Leeds. In that game, Bumrah was benched—an expected move considering the team’s pre-series workload management blueprint. However, the call drew criticism as fans and experts questioned the logic of sidelining India’s premier fast bowler in such a high-stakes series.
But India bounced back in the second Test in Birmingham, thanks largely to their pace battery. Youngster Akash Deep and the ever-reliable Mohammed Siraj rose to the occasion, taking 16 wickets between them and levelling the series 1-1. Their standout performance helped cool the debate around Bumrah’s absence, albeit temporarily.
The third Test at Lord’s saw Bumrah return to the playing XI, and he lived up to expectations. He ripped through England’s batting lineup with a fiery five-wicket haul, his second of the series. However, his brilliance wasn’t enough to secure a win as India faltered once again, going down 2-1 in the series.
Now, as the fourth Test looms at Old Trafford, the stakes couldn’t be higher. India must win to stay alive in the series, which makes Bumrah’s inclusion a hot topic once again. According to the Indian team’s pre-series announcement, Bumrah was scheduled to feature in only three out of the five Tests, and with two appearances already, the team has a tough choice to make—play him now or hold him back for the final Test at The Oval.
Former England cricketer David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd weighed in on the matter during a TalkSport Cricket discussion. “It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said—that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice. There are two matches to go. He’s played two. If they are true to their word, he should play this next game at Old Trafford,” Lloyd said.
He also acknowledged the possibility of a rethink if India wins in Manchester. “If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at The Oval,” he added.
Interestingly, India’s only win on this tour came in Bumrah’s absence, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed. When this was pointed out, Lloyd admitted, “That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays, they lose more than when he doesn’t, and he is like the best bowler in the world. He is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella.”
Indeed, Bumrah’s stats speak volumes. He has 12 wickets in just two games this series and remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. His unusual action, pinpoint yorkers, and ability to generate awkward bounce make him a nightmare for even the best batters.
However, managing Bumrah’s workload has become as crucial as his performance. Since returning from a serious back injury in 2023, the Indian management has been cautious about overusing him. They’ve strategically rotated him across formats, especially in Tests, to ensure longevity and peak performance in major tournaments.
The fourth Test isn’t just another game. It’s a potential series-defining match. If India wins, they stay alive with momentum going into The Oval. If they lose, the series is gone. The decision to play Bumrah could very well tip the scales.
From a tactical standpoint, Bumrah’s inclusion makes sense. The conditions at Old Trafford are expected to assist pace and swing, and Bumrah’s skills are tailor-made for such a track. His ability to break partnerships and bowl incisive spells can change games within a session.
On the flip side, resting him might keep him fresh for the fifth Test and reduce the risk of another injury setback. India must weigh immediate gains against long-term sustainability.
It’s a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario for the team management. While sticking to a pre-set rotation plan shows discipline and trust in process, flexibility might just be what India needs right now.
Whether the team backs their original roadmap or shifts strategy for the sake of the series, one thing is certain—Jasprit Bumrah remains central to India’s hopes of drawing level and eventually winning this tightly contested tour.
