Follow UsHead coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are not sure as to which three Tests Jasprit Bumrah will most likely play on India’s tour of England. They said that the results of the matches will decide the need for Bumrah in the playing 11.
“We haven't taken that call. A lot will depend on the results of the series, and we will discuss with him. That is something that I am sure he is also aware of,” Gambhir said in a press conference held on June 5 (Thursday) in Mumbai before the team’s departure to England for the five-match series.
Gill, on his part, clarified that although they would miss Bumrah not being able to play all the Tests, the team has a lot of bowlers who can win matches.
“A lot of our fast bowlers are in a great space to win Test matches from any position. Someone like Jasprit Bumrah, whenever he plays, it would be a great sight for us. But we have a great mix of bowlers,” Gill said.
Earlier, chief selector of the senior men’s team of India, Ajit Agarkar, had said that Bumrah will most likely play only three Tests instead of all five.
Gambhir said that as the team missed Bumrah in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, they will find it difficult to replace the pacer in England once again.
“Always difficult to replace Bumrah, but as I said in the Champions Trophy, it is an opportunity for someone to put his hand up. And there is enough quality there,” added the 43-year-old.
Bumrah was the most impactful player on India's tour of Australia, picking 32 wickets in five matches. However, he got injured before the last innings in Sydney and missed the Champions Trophy. Therefore, caution is being taken while using him in England.