India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will not be playing all five Tests in the upcoming England series, as confirmed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The decision, based on workload management and medical assessments, aims to optimise Bumrah’s performance while minimising injury risks.
Agarkar, addressing concerns about India’s fast-bowling department, clarified that Bumrah will likely participate in three or four Tests. The selectors, in consultation with team physios and doctors, decided on this strategy after evaluating his recovery trajectory. Bumrah had recently returned from a back injury, which ruled him out midway through India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 campaign.
India will also be missing another senior pacer, Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of the England tour due to fitness concerns. Agarkar confirmed that Shami had been working on his recovery but wasn’t fit enough to commit to the five-match series.
With Bumrah’s limited availability, India’s pace attack will need to rely on other key players to maintain pressure against a strong England side. The series, set to begin on June 20, will be a crucial test for India’s squad depth and bowling adaptability.
