‘Bumrah Should Play Both Tests’: Anil Kumble Warns Team India After Lord’s Defeat
After India’s narrow 22-run defeat in a thrilling third Test at Lord’s, former India captain Anil Kumble has urged the team management to reconsider their workload management plans for Jasprit Bumrah. With England now leading the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-1, Kumble strongly believes India must field their best weapon for the remaining two Tests at Old Trafford and The Oval if they hope to stage a comeback.
“If I’m a part of that group, I would push Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and then you lose the Test, that’s it. The series is done and dusted,” Kumble said on JioHotstar after the match.
The BCCI had earlier announced that Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, would play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. However, with the series slipping away and the importance of the fourth Test growing, Kumble emphasized that plans need to change based on context.
“I think Bumrah should play both the Tests. I know he said, ‘I’m only going to play three.’ But we have a long break after this. He doesn’t need to feature in the home series — take that time to rest if needed,” Kumble added.
India’s defeat at Lord’s was a result of an inconsistent batting display and missed opportunities with the ball. Ravindra Jadeja’s spirited 75 and resistance from the lower order gave India hope, but England held their nerve in the final session.
Captain Shubman Gill, when asked about Bumrah’s availability for the final two matches, remained non-committal, saying, “We’ll assess everything in the coming days.” The fourth Test begins July 23 at Old Trafford.
Interestingly, India have never won a Test match at Old Trafford in nine attempts. England have claimed four wins there, while five matches ended in a draw — a fact that strengthens Kumble’s argument about needing Bumrah’s firepower on a historically challenging ground.
With a week’s break ahead, the focus will now shift to India’s bowling plans and whether they risk going into a must-win Test without their best pacer. The decision on Bumrah could well determine whether India can claw their way back into the series — or surrender it altogether.
