Follow UsJasprit Bumrah's workload has been a subject of discussion for some time now. In the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia six months ago, Bumrah finished as the highest wicket-taker, but at what cost? He missed the Champions Trophy and also the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as he continued to recover from a back injury.
But he’s back, after an excellent IPL, where he looked like he never missed a beat. A five-match Test series, however, is a different story altogether. There’s already an indication from the management that Bumrah might not play all five Tests against England.
We all know Bumrah is perhaps the world’s best all-format bowler, at the moment. So, that’s where India face a tough situation, they have to make the best use of their express pacer without running him into the ground.
Bumrah has carried this Indian attack for the last 2-3 years. In fact, since 2023, among those who have bowled at least 200 overs, Bumrah has the best average (15.1) and strike rate (30.7) after Noman Ali.
More importantly, among fast bowlers, he is head and shoulders above the likes of Kagiso Rabada (Ave 18.8, SR 35.5), Josh Hazlewood (19.8, 39.5) and Jayden Seales (20.3, 35.4).
Hence, there is little doubt that Bumrah is integral to India's plans.
In an ideal scenario, they would want to play him in all five Tests, but after what transpired in Australia, the Indian team management would know better than to be overly enthusiastic with the pacer. So, what are the possibilities?
Based on the schedule, the gap between the second and third Test is just three days, and there is a similar interval between the fourth and fifth Test.
Hence, the ideal option would be to allow Bumrah to play the first and second Test at Headingley and Edgbaston, respectively, and then slot him in for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which then gives India a fine balance in terms of the series.
That way, Gill does not need to hold Bumrah back in any scenario and can unleash him on the England batters, and will also give him the much-needed rest.
India should consider giving Bumrah a rest for the Manchester Test, as the spinners have come in handy at the venue over the last two years. Since 2024, the tweakers have picked up 73 wickets at 23.8 at that venue - the best among all five venues in the series.
Given India’s depth in the spin department, they could well consider picking either of Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav, who offer two different skillsets. While Sundar can add to the batting depth, Kuldeep provides an X-factor, which can help India partially fill that Bumrah void.
In which case, Bumrah could just play the first three matches, rest for Old Trafford, and play him at The Oval, depending on how he holds up. That way, you could very well get him to play four Tests, which is a bonus.
It isn’t that black and white.
If Bumrah has to play all five Tests (which looks unlikely), he will need his fellow pacers to take much more of the workload. The other frontline pacers combined have played 46 Tests (One more than Bumrah) and between them have just 123 scalps (Bumrah has 205).
However, one of them is Mohammed Siraj, who will be hoping to deliver in England after a poor show in Australia. He has had his moments in England, but with an inexperienced pace attack, Siraj will need to bring his A game. Will that be enough to extend Bumrah's participation in the series?
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes that with the right management off the field, Bumrah could play all five Tests.
"According to the number of overs he bowls in the match, the practice sessions can be toned down for him, where he needs to be working on his recovery. It can be a strength training session in the gym or some recovery work with the physios," Arun told RevSportz.
"So, handling him will be very crucial. Bumrah's presence in the team adds a huge value. Not only does he does well, he also rallies the other bowlers, the right management off the field, it could very well be a possibility."
On paper, Arun’s words are so damn right. But realistically, after a back injury, and with a T20 World Cup around the corner next year, India can’t afford to keep one foot wrong. Otherwise, they will be at the centre of attention, for all the wrong reasons.