Jasprit Bumrah :-
In a year meant to solidify India’s Test cricket dominance, the team faces two major series losses. First, against Australia, and now struggling in the England Test series. Jasprit Bumrah stands out as India’s lone warrior with the red ball. But is India too reliant on him? And are decisions on his workload costing us the series?
A Look Back: India’s Struggles in Australia
India’s overseas campaign started with high hopes in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. But things quickly went downhill as Australia exposed India’s weaknesses. The Indian batting collapsed often, and the bowling lacked punch—except for Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah was India’s top performer, despite the heavy load. His pace, reverse swing, and toe-crushing yorkers often kept India in the game. Yet, cricket is a team sport, and Bumrah’s brilliance wasn’t enough. The series ended with a 2-1 loss, a reminder that team performance can’t rely solely on individual brilliance.
The England Test Series: History Repeating Itself
Now, India is battling in England in a five-match Test series, with a similar pattern repeating. After a loss in the first Test at Headingley, where Bumrah took a 5-wicket haul, India bounced back in the second Test at Edgbaston, even without him. The third Test at Lord’s saw India lose by 22 runs, despite Bumrah’s efforts with both ball and bat.
India trails 2-1 in the series, with two matches left. Again, the pressure is on Bumrah—from the team and fans—while the rest of the bowling unit struggles with consistency.
Workload Management or Strategic Blunder?
Team India decided Bumrah would play three out of five Tests in the England series due to injury concerns and workload management. This might protect him long-term, but it’s risky in a tight series.
Former cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Dilip Vengsarkar have questioned this decision. They think if Bumrah is fit, he should play. Selective participation sends the wrong message and disrupts team rhythm.
“If you’re fit enough to be in the squad, you must be fit enough to play all games,” said Pathan, adding fuel to the debate around Bumrah’s intermittent appearances.
Fans are left wondering: Can India afford to bench its best bowler in a must-win series?
Jasprit Bumrah: Still the No. 1 Bowler in the World
Bumrah’s individual performance has been world-class. He is the No. 1 ICC Test bowler ranking with over 230 Test wickets in just over 60 matches.
What makes Bumrah special is his consistency under pressure. He performs well in tough conditions. Whether it’s Brisbane’s bouncy tracks or Lord’s’ swinging conditions, Bumrah adapts and dominates.
His early breakthroughs often give India an edge. But, the lack of support from the rest of the bowling unit has been costly. The Jasprit Bumrah effect can only go so far without adequate support.
England’s Tactical Advantage
England has exploited India’s over-dependence on Bumrah. They target India’s second and third-choice seamers. Knowing that surviving Bumrah’s spell often means a release of pressure when others take over.
With bowlers like Akash Deep, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj unable to maintain intensity for long periods, England’s batters have made quick recoveries after early setbacks. Without a second spearhead, Bumrah’s efforts are often neutralized.
What Next for Team India?
India faces the crucial 4th and 5th Tests. The selection of Bumrah for both will be key. If he is rested again due to workload, the team could lose the series. If he plays without adequate rest, there’s a risk of injury, which could affect the upcoming home season and the 2026 World Test Championship.
Coach Gautam Gambhir is walking a tightrope. Managing a player of Bumrah’s caliber requires balance—between preserving longevity and maximizing short-term impact.
Time for a Bowling Reboot?
India’s bowling strategy needs urgent revision. The fast-bowling bench strength, once touted as world-class, now appears fragile. Injuries to Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Reddy have further exposed this vulnerability.
It’s time the BCCI invests more in grooming backups—not just for Bumrah, but to ensure long-term sustainability in overseas Test matches.
To truly dominate in all conditions, India needs at least three match-winning pacers in every XI. Until then, Bumrah will remain overburdened—and the team underprepared.
Bumrah: Symbol of Hope, But Not the Solution Alone
Jasprit Bumrah continues to inspire hope every time he marks his run-up. His fitness, skill, and mental toughness set him apart. But expecting him to carry the entire burden of India’s Test future is unfair and unrealistic.
India’s Test failures in Australia and England reflect a deeper structural problem—not a lack of talent, but poor resource utilization and planning. Until that changes, Bumrah’s brilliance will shine in isolated moments while the team continues to underperform on the global stage.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah is the heartbeat of India’s Test bowling attack. But cricket is a team sport. India needs to build a strong, united bowling unit, not just rely on one player.
The matches in England will be crucial. They could shape the future of Indian Test cricket.
External Links:
- Jasprit Bumrah stats and ICC rankings – ICC Official Website
- India vs England Test Series 2025 – Live Updates – ESPN Cricinfo
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