TV
With the final Test at The Oval looming and the series hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead. After an inspiring draw in Manchester, the question lingers: Should India risk their premier fast bowler for one last push, or preserve him for bigger battles ahead?
Bumrah’s Body vs India’s Ambitions
Bumrah has already played three of the four Tests on this grueling England tour, fulfilling the limit set by the team management before the series. In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old bowled 33 overs in a single innings, his first ever to concede over 100 runs.
He looked visibly fatigued and even suffered a minor ankle injury after tripping down the stairs, raising concerns about his physical readiness for the decider.
Notably, it was during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 that Bumrah broke down after bowling 152 overs, missing four crucial months of cricket, including the Champions Trophy 2025, which India went on to win.
Aakash Chopra Weighs In
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra offered perspective, highlighting that workload management isn’t about matches, but overs bowled. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said,
“We didn’t bowl on Day 1 or Day 5 of the fourth Test. Bumrah bowled across Day 2 to 4, so the rest-to-play ratio may not be as bad as it looks.”
Also Read | Ind Vs Eng 4th Test: Jadeja, Gill, and Washington slam tons as tantalising test match ends in a draw
Yet, with 120 overs already under his belt this series, the margin for error is slim.
What’s at Stake?
India’s schedule post-England isn’t packed. The Asia Cup 2025 begins in September, followed by a home Test season, before eyes shift to the 2026 T20 World Cup. This context makes resting Bumrah a tempting option, but if India is serious about leveling the series, his presence could be decisive.
Should India play Bumrah? The answer may lie between caution and glory.
