Gambhir: Decision on Bumrah’s Three-Test Matches Still Pending
Gambhir: Decision on Bumrah’s Three-Test Matches Still Pending
India vs England: Gautam Gambhir clarified that a final decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in three specific Test matches is pending.
India has yet to decide which three matches Jasprit Bumrah will play in the upcoming five-Test series against England. Captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir, however, are confident that the team’s strong pace attack will cover for his possible absence.
Speaking at India’s pre-tour press conference, Gambhir said they will discuss Bumrah’s participation with him, considering the series' progress and results. The decision will be made based on how the tournament unfolds.
Last month, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that medical experts advised Bumrah against playing multiple consecutive Tests due to workload concerns. This precaution follows his back injury during the fifth Test against Australia in January, which kept him out of action until Mumbai Indians' fifth IPL match in 2025.
India's 18-man squad includes fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, along with seam-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur. Gill is confident that the squad has enough talent to win matches, even if Bumrah plays only a few games. Gambhir echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Bumrah's absence opens opportunities for others to step up.
This series marks India’s first Test matches since the retirements of Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Virat Kohli. Mohammed Shami is also missing from the squad.
The five-match series will be India's first in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The Tests are scheduled as follows:
1. June 20: 1st Test at Headingley
2. July 2: 2nd Test at Edgbaston
3. July 10: 3rd Test at Lord’s
4. July 23: 4th Test at Old Trafford
5. July 31: 5th Test at The Oval
Before the series begins, India will play a four-day warm-up match against India A from June 13-16 in Beckenham, near London.