MUMBAI — India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that the team will stick to its original plan of resting star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for two of the five Tests against England this summer, prioritizing workload management despite the high stakes of the series.
Gambhir, addressing the media ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, emphasized that Bumrah’s long-term fitness remains a priority. "We have a clear roadmap for Jasprit’s workload, and we won’t deviate from it just because of external pressure," he stated. "He’s our premier bowler, and we need him fit for the World Test Championship and beyond."
Why India is Managing Bumrah’s Workload
Bumrah, who has been instrumental in India’s recent Test successes, has a history of stress-related injuries, including a back stress fracture that sidelined him for nearly a year. The team management has adopted a cautious approach since his return, limiting his overs in multi-format series.
Key reasons behind the decision:
- Injury Prevention: Bumrah’s unique bowling action puts extra strain on his back, making him prone to breakdowns.
- Upcoming Tournaments: India has a packed schedule, including the T20 World Cup and Australia’s tour later this year.
- Rotation Policy: India’s bench strength, with Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar, allows for rotation without a significant drop in quality.
Gambhir’s Firm Stance
Gambhir dismissed suggestions that India should reconsider given Bumrah’s match-winning performances in the first two Tests. "We’ve seen what happens when we rush players back—it backfires," he said. "This is a long-term strategy, not just about one series."
Former players, however, remain divided. While Sunil Gavaskar backed the decision, calling it "smart management," others like Sourav Ganguly argued that "Bumrah’s presence could be the difference in a tight series."
England’s Reaction
England captain Ben Stokes, when asked about Bumrah’s absence, played it down. "We focus on our game, not who’s playing or not for India," he said. However, analysts note that England’s batting lineup, which struggled against Bumrah’s reverse swing, might breathe easier in his absence.
Who Will Replace Bumrah?
With Bumrah set to miss the third and fourth Tests, India is likely to field Mohammed Shami (if fit) or give a debut to young pacer Akash Deep. Gambhir hinted at flexibility: "We’ll assess conditions and pick the best attack for each game."
Key contenders:
- Mohammed Shami: Experienced but returning from an ankle injury.
- Akash Deep: Impressive in domestic cricket with raw pace.
- Prasidh Krishna: Tall, hit-the-deck option for bouncy tracks.
The Bigger Picture
India’s decision reflects a broader shift in cricket toward workload management, especially for fast bowlers. Teams are increasingly wary of burning out key players, as seen with Australia’s handling of Pat Cummins and England’s rest periods for James Anderson.
Gambhir summed it up: "Winning a series is important, but not at the cost of losing a player for years. Jasprit is irreplaceable, and we’d rather err on the side of caution."
The third Test begins on February 15 in Rajkot, with India leading the series 2-1. Bumrah is expected to return for the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, a venue where his seam bowling could be lethal.
For now, India’s message is clear: they’re playing the long game, even if it means short-term risks. As Gambhir put it, "Great teams are built on sustainability, not desperation."