Following India’s crushing five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley, former cricketers and experts have begun scrutinizing decisions made by the team management—particularly regarding pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Former India batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows over the BCCI’s public revelation that Bumrah would only play three out of the five Test matches in the ongoing series.
“Why was it necessary to announce it openly? Let England guess. We don’t reveal the full playing XI ahead of time—so why this?” Chopra questioned in a YouTube video.
He believes this openness may have handed England a tactical advantage, allowing them to tailor their pitch strategy, knowing they won’t face India’s biggest bowling threat in all matches.
“Bumrah has already played one Test. If he plays the second, then he’s available for only one more out of the remaining three. England now knows that. It puts India in a weak position,” Chopra explained.
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a spectacular 5/83 in the first innings, briefly reviving hopes of an Indian win. However, in the second innings—defending a daunting 371—he went wicketless, and England pulled off their second-highest successful chase in Test history.
Despite the loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have stood firm on their initial stance: Bumrah will play only three matches, possibly four if required.
But this decision has drawn concern from other veterans too.
Ravi Shastri, former head coach and national icon, voiced caution over the rigid rotation plan. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:
“If he (Bumrah) was due for rest, you may have to rethink. You’re already 1-0 down—without him, going 2-0 down could make it an uphill task.”
With the second Test at Birmingham scheduled to start on July 2, all eyes are now on whether the Indian team management will stick to their plan or make a tactical exception in the face of mounting pressure.
As the series progresses, the conversation surrounding Bumrah’s workload management versus match impact continues to intensify. Was it a smart call for long-term fitness—or a short-term gamble that could cost India the series?