Should Jasprit Bumrah play both Manchester & Oval Tests? Anil Kumble answers

Prior to the five-match Test series against England, Jasprit Bumrah confirmed that he'll play only three Tests due to workload management.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has strongly urged Jasprit Bumrah to drop his workload management plans and play in the two remaining Test matches after India’s crushing loss at Lord’s that left the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in jeopardy. According to Kumble, India cannot afford to take a break from leading the pace when the stakes are at their highest. India are currently trailing 2-1 in the five-match Test series, with just two games remaining.

Workload dilemma for Bumrah

From the beginning, the pacer’s strategy was clear: he would only play three Test matches out of five in order to manage his body. Although Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, had alluded to three or four appearances, Bumrah was adamant.

Despite the early setback, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that no changes had been made to this strategy following the Leeds opener. However, now, Bumrah finds himself at crossroads. India can ill-afford another loss. As per Bumrah’s workload, he can only play one out of the remaining two Tests.

In the first innings of the Lord’s Test, he once again showcased how important he’s and why he’s the best bowler of this generation, taking his 13th Test fifer away from home.

What did Kumble say on Bumrah?

“I would certainly, if I’m part of that group, push Bumrah to play the next game,” Kumble told JioHotstar after the match. “That’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and then we lose the Test, that’s it—the series is done and dusted. I think Bumrah should play both the remaining Tests. I know he’s said he’s going to play only three, but there’s a long break after this. He doesn’t have to play the home series—he can take a break if needed. But I believe he should be out there for the next two.”

The fixture congestion poses its own challenges. Manchester begins on July 23rd, followed by The Oval just three days later on July 31st. It’s a brutal schedule that would test even the fittest players, let alone someone managing chronic back issues and has an unorthodox action as well.

Bumrah’s workload was extraordinary in the BGT series, having bowled 151.2 overs, the most by any Indian bowler (when Bumrah was available). He claimed 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, with three five-wicket hauls. Despite a lacklustre performance from India’s batters and inconsistent bowling from other pacers and spinners, Bumrah stood out as the team’s saviour. However, his body gave out during the Sydney Test. He complained for a back spasm and couldn’t bowl in the second innings, where Australia clinched the Test and won BGT by 3-1.