The upcoming Test series between India and England is just around the corner, starting on June 20 at Headingley. While all eyes are on the new Indian Test captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the big question now is—what will Team India do about Jasprit Bumrah?
There’s growing pressure from cricket experts and former players on how to manage Bumrah’s workload wisely during the five-match series. After Sourav Ganguly gave his advice, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has now strongly recommended that India not play Bumrah in the first Test. His suggestion is to rest Bumrah strategically and bring him in only when it truly matters—specifically at Lord’s and Edgbaston.
Brad Hogg feels Bumrah should be kept fresh for the most important Tests. He explained that the right-arm pacer has the power to completely change a match or even the entire series, and India should use him as a surprise weapon. According to Hogg, resting Bumrah in the first Test would not only help him stay fit but also play a psychological game with the English team.
He even said India could let England believe Bumrah is not playing, only to bring him in during the second match and catch them off guard. This kind of strategy, he believes, could put England under pressure and force them to play catch-up for the rest of the series.
Let’s not forget, Jasprit Bumrah has just recovered from a back injury he suffered during the final Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also missed India’s Champions Trophy win because of it. So, using him carefully is not just smart—it’s necessary.
This Test series also marks a new chapter in Indian cricket. With big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from Test cricket, the leadership duties now lie on the young shoulders of Shubman Gill. Though BCCI and coach Gambhir have said there’s no pressure on Gill, fans and critics will be closely watching how he handles this major responsibility.
Gill had earlier led India in a T20 series against Zimbabwe in 2024, but this is his first time leading the country in the traditional five-day format—and that too in English conditions. With Bumrah and Jadeja now the most experienced players in the team, India’s performance will depend a lot on how this new setup comes together.
As the countdown to June 20 begins, the big question remains—will Bumrah play the first Test, or will India hold him back for maximum impact later in the series?
0 Comments