Jasprit Bumrah featured in just three of the five Tests in India’s high-profile series against England before being released from the team ahead of the Oval decider. Although his absence was originally attributed to workload management, a strategy that had seemingly been agreed upon before the tour. But fresh reports indicate that it was a knee injury, rather than workload management, which ruled him out of the decider.
“Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it’s not a major one and won’t require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports,” a report in TOI quoted a BCCI official as saying.
With prolonged gaps between the matches, with eight days of gap between the first, second, and fourth Tests, most people felt Bumrah might have played more than three matches. His absence ahead of the key final Test surprised many, considering the series was extremely crucial. Former players and fans, including Anil Kumble, were disappointed, wondering if India’s pace leader would be able to play full-length Test series in the future.
Despite bowling close to 120 overs and picking up 14 wickets, with two five-wicket haul, Bumrah’s physical constraints have become more obvious. At 31, with an injury history, it seems far from certain that he will play all five Tests of a long series any more.
India’s upcoming red-ball calendar is lighter, with two-Test series against South Africa and the West Indies, while most focus now turns to white-ball competitions such as the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. The next five-Test series is not even planned until 2027, Hence, Bumrah will get some time. But it also leads to questions about how India will handle his future in Test cricket.
“There is an Asia Cup around the corner, the T20 World Cup is also there. He would want to play those events. Considering his body, he can’t play every game. He needs to be managed with extra care. Playing him at The Oval would have been a huge risk.”
“Going forward, there needs to be a clear plan on how to manage Bumrah’s Test career,” said a BCCI source told PTI.
