Anil Kumble Urges Jasprit Bumrah to Play Remaining Tests Against England, Highlights Importance for India
Former India head coach Anil Kumble has strongly recommended that Jasprit Bumrah should play in the remaining two Tests of the ongoing England series, emphasizing the pacer’s crucial role for India’s chances of leveling the series. Bumrah has been a key figure in India’s bowling attack, picking up 12 wickets in four innings, second only to Mohammed Siraj in the wicket tally for the series.
Ahead of the tour, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir announced a workload management strategy for Bumrah, deciding that the star pacer would feature in only three of the five Tests. Accordingly, Bumrah played in the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s but was rested for the third Test at Edgbaston. However, the week-long gap between the third and fourth Tests at Old Trafford has created an opportunity for Bumrah to return to the playing XI.
Kumble weighed in on the situation during a recent appearance on JioHostar, stating, “I would certainly push for Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and India end up losing the Test, that’s it, the series would be done and dusted. Bumrah should feature in both the remaining Tests.”
He acknowledged Bumrah’s earlier commitment to playing only three matches, explaining that the long break after the fourth Test provides Bumrah with enough rest and that he can skip the home series if needed. “But right now, Bumrah should be playing the next two,” Kumble added.
India is looking to bounce back after a narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s in the second Test, with the fourth Test set to begin on July 23 at Manchester. The series-deciding fifth Test will then take place at The Oval from July 31 to August 4.
In addition to Bumrah’s availability, India faced a minor injury scare when left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his bowling hand during a practice session but is expected to be fit for the upcoming match.
As India aims to equalize and then push for a series win, having Bumrah back in the side could prove pivotal for their success on English soil.
