Acting on clear directives from the BCCI medical team and physiotherapists, Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah “won’t be available for all five Tests.”
Bumrah’s Limited Availability Adds to India’s Test Challenges Post Kohli-Rohit Era
The new-look Indian Test team, already grappling with the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, faces another pressing challenge ahead of the England series starting later this month. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit will not be available for all five matches due to workload management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir added that the management is yet to finalize which Tests Bumrah will feature in.
Bumrah, who suffered back spasms earlier this year, missed both the Champions Trophy and the start of IPL 2025. This marks the second major instance of a back injury sidelining him from a key ICC event. With guidance from BCCI’s medical team, Agarkar stressed that Jasprit appearances must be strategically managed.
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, speaking to RevSportz, pointed out that inadequate bowling workload can be just as harmful as overexertion. He advocated tailored training sessions:
“Too much or too little bowling—both can cause injuries. While we can’t control the overs he bowls in a match, we can certainly manage his practice load. It could be gym work or physio-led recovery. Bumrah doesn’t just perform—he lifts the entire bowling unit.”
As India looks to build a new Test identity, managing Jasprit fitness will be pivotal to their campaign.
‘If there is good support from the other bowlers…’
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun emphasized that for Jasprit Bumrah to remain available throughout the upcoming five-Test series against England, India’s supporting bowlers must shoulder greater responsibility. Arun recalled a similar situation during the Australia tour, where inadequate contributions from other bowlers forced Bumrah to carry an excessive workload—ultimately resulting in an injury during the Sydney Test.
“The confidence which they ride in with Jasprit Bumrah being in the side definitely adds a lot of value to this team,” Arun told RevSportz. “Ideally, I would want him to play all five Tests. But that’s only possible if the other bowlers step up and share the workload.”
He warned that over-reliance on Bumrah could backfire again:
“If he ends up doing the heavy lifting alone, then I’m afraid he won’t be ready for all the matches. It’s vital the support cast performs well so Bumrah can be preserved.”
Arun also cautioned against rigid planning, suggesting a more adaptive approach:
“You can’t pre-decide he’ll play the first three and rest for the next two. Take it as it comes. If the other bowlers do their job, Bumrah can play all five Tests.”
As India steps into a new era without Kohli and Rohit, their pace unit’s collective performance could be key to sustaining Bumrah’s availability and mounting a serious challenge in England.
