India’s hopes of bouncing back in the five-match Test series against England have taken a potential hit, with reports suggesting that premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the second Test at Edgbaston. The decision, though not officially confirmed, appears rooted in strategic workload management and a long-term view of Bumrah’s fitness across the grueling series.
After delivering a brilliant performance in the first Test at Headingley, where he bowled a marathon 44 overs and claimed a five-wicket haul, the Indian management seems inclined to rest the star pacer for the second match. Bumrah’s workload has been a persistent concern throughout the season, having bowled more overs than any other pacer in world cricket so far this year. His contributions are irreplaceable, but the team is clearly prioritizing his longevity and peak fitness over short-term gains.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, before the series began, had outlined a rotational plan for Bumrah, stating he would likely feature in only three of the five Tests. This was meant to safeguard him from injury setbacks, given his history of stress fractures and back issues. That strategy seems to be in motion now, with Edgbaston likely being the game he sits out.
During the team’s practice session ahead of the second Test, Bumrah was seen on the field but did not bowl in the nets. Instead, he focused on light fitness drills and recovery routines. The absence of bowling activity has further fueled speculation that he will not be risked for this match, especially given the quick turnaround between games and the physical toll of bowling long spells in English conditions.
The decision to potentially rest Bumrah has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, preserving India’s lead pacer for the bigger battles ahead, particularly at Lord’s and Manchester, seems logical. On the other hand, with India trailing 0-1 in the series, his absence could significantly weaken the bowling attack at a time when the team can least afford it. The second Test will be pivotal in deciding the course of the series, and not having a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber may tip the scales in England’s favor.
In Bumrah absence, the Indian team management may look to bring in a fresh face like Arshdeep Singh or turn to an extra spinner, depending on the pitch conditions. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to shoulder the bulk of the pace responsibilities. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, if selected, will also have increased roles to play in the attack.
Ultimately, the move signals a shift in India’s approach—placing a premium on long-term planning rather than reactive decisions based on series situations. With a packed international calendar and Bumrah being central to India’s plans in all formats, managing his workload with caution is prudent.
Still, the decision is a gamble. If India loses at Edgbaston, it will go 0-2 down in the series, making a comeback extremely difficult. The second Test without Bumrah will therefore not just be a test of India’s bench strength, but also of Gambhir’s strategic vision.