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India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been officially released from the squad ahead of the fifth and final Test against England, as part of a pre-decided workload management plan. With three grueling Tests under his belt, discussions are already underway about when fans will next see Bumrah don the India jersey.
Three Tests, Two Five-Wicket Hauls, and a Marathon Effort
Bumrah, 31, bowled a staggering 119.4 overs across the first three Tests of the England series, claiming 14 wickets. He starred with two brilliant five-wicket hauls, one at Headingley and another at Lord’s reaffirming his place as one of the world’s premier red-ball bowlers.
However, at Manchester, he endured a rare off-day, conceding over 100 runs in a single innings for the first time in his career.
His career now stands at 219 wickets in 48 Tests, a remarkable feat for a fast bowler who's also India’s go-to option across all formats.
Asia Cup or West Indies Tests? A Scheduling Dilemma
India’s next assignment is the Asia Cup T20 tournament in the UAE, ending on September 29, followed closely by a two-Test home series against the West Indies starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. Given the tight turnaround, Bumrah playing both seems highly unlikely.
“Bumrah loves Test cricket and there are World Test Championship points at stake,” a BCCI source told PTI. “If he plays the Asia Cup and reaches the final, he’ll likely miss the West Indies Test opener. The selectors will have to decide what’s more valuable.”
Looking Ahead: Focus on Tests and T20s
With two marquee Tests against South Africa scheduled in November, and a crucial T20 World Cup in early 2026, Bumrah is expected to skip most ODI games. His next T20 outing could be in January against New Zealand, seen as a potential dress rehearsal for the World Cup.
All Eyes on Agarkar-Gambhir Duo
The final call on Bumrah's immediate future lies with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Balancing player fitness with India’s jam-packed schedule will be key and how Bumrah is managed could define India’s fortunes in both Tests and T20s this season.
