As India gears up for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20 at Headingly, questions remain about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability across the full tour. The management has yet to confirm how many matches Bumrah will feature in, reflecting ongoing concerns around his workload and long-term fitness. With conditions in England favoring pace, Bumrah’s role will be crucial — but still uncertain.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently acknowledged the ambiguity, stating that no final decision has been made on how many Tests Bumrah will play. According to Gambhir, the management will assess the series match-by-match and monitor Bumrah closely, indicating a cautious and flexible approach. Given Bumrah’s value as India’s premier fast bowler, his involvement will be carefully managed rather than guaranteed.
Bumrah’s recent history with injuries adds weight to the decision. Having missed major parts of previous campaigns, including the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a recurring back problem, Bumrah remains under close medical supervision. The team is determined not to overuse him, and his fragile fitness record has become a central concern ahead of the grueling five-Test stretch.
Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond, who has worked with Bumrah during IPL seasons, has publicly advised against using him in too many consecutive Tests. Bond warned that the physical strain of back-to-back red-ball matches in English conditions could aggravate Bumrah’s past injuries. He stressed that India would be wise to use Bumrah selectively to preserve him for longer-term goals.
Another key factor is the transition from T20 cricket in the IPL to Test cricket in England, which poses a significant physical and mental shift. Bumrah, who recently completed a full IPL season, will need time to recalibrate his training and adapt to longer spells in seaming and swinging conditions. The selectors and medical team are aware that pushing Bumrah too hard too quickly could increase the risk of injury.
India’s planning for the England tour also involves looking beyond just immediate results. With major tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Bumrah’s longevity is a national priority. The team is expected to rotate fast bowlers across the series, giving Bumrah only the most impactful games — possibly the first Test and critical matches later in the series.
As India finalizes its strategy, fans and analysts alike are waiting to see how much of a role Bumrah will play. While his presence could be a game-changer in England’s swinging conditions, the bigger picture — keeping Bumrah fit and firing for future global tournaments — will likely guide the final call. For now, the only certainty is that Bumrah’s availability remains one of India’s biggest question marks ahead of this high-stakes tour