Uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah’s Asia Cup participation amid workload concerns

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the national squad after completing his pre-decided quota of three Tests in the ongoing five-match series against England. The 31-year-old, who delivered a total of 119.4 overs and claimed 14 wickets, made notable contributions with two five-wicket hauls — one at Headingley and another at Lord’s. However, his performance in Manchester was below par, where he conceded over 100 runs in a single innings for the first time in his Test career. With this, Bumrah’s Test wicket tally now stands at 219 from 48 matches.

The decision to rest Bumrah was confirmed earlier by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, who emphasized workload management as the reason behind limiting the pacer to three Tests in the series.

India’s next assignment is the Asia Cup T20, but speculation is already growing around Bumrah’s availability. The tournament wraps up on September 29, while India is scheduled to host West Indies for a two-match Test series starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test in New Delhi from October 10 to 14. In November, India is also slated to face South Africa in another Test series.

A BCCI insider familiar with the selection process noted, “It’s a delicate decision. Bumrah is passionate about Test cricket, and there are valuable World Test Championship points at stake. In terms of T20s, he could focus on the New Zealand series in January as a lead-up to the T20 World Cup.”

“If he features in the Asia Cup and India reaches the final, it’s highly unlikely he can turn around and be ready for the first Test against the West Indies just three days later. The real question is whether his presence is more vital in the Asia Cup or in the Test series against West Indies and later South Africa,” the source added, suggesting that selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have some tough decisions ahead.