The buzz around Jasprit Bumrah just won’t calm down. Ahead of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, all eyes are once again on India’s pace spearhead. Fans, media, and experts alike are eagerly trying to find out: Will Bumrah play the second Test or not?
During an open training session at Edgbaston on Monday, Bumrah added to the mystery by not bowling a single ball in the first half. While his teammates like Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna were in full action in the nets, Bumrah just did some fielding drills and then spent a long time in conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir. After that, he walked away without any bowling.
That was enough to spark serious speculations that Bumrah might be rested for the second Test and instead be preserved for the third Test at Lord’s, which begins on July 10. However, to everyone’s relief, Bumrah returned to the nets an hour later and bowled briefly.
Speaking to the media, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remained tight-lipped. When asked about Bumrah’s availability, he replied, “Yes, technically he is available. But we haven’t made the final call yet. Since the start, we knew he would only play three out of the five Tests. Now it’s just about managing his workload smartly.”
He also hinted that the decision would depend on the pitch and weather conditions. With rain forecast on the opening day and a dry pitch expected later, the team management is thinking carefully. “If we feel like there’s value in playing him here, we’ll take that call at the last minute,” he said.
Another big talking point is India possibly going with two spinners in this match. According to Doeschate, the pitch has around 11-12mm of grass, but the base is quite dry. This could mean spinners will have more impact, especially in the latter half of the game.
When asked if Kuldeep Yadav might get a place in the playing XI, he confirmed that there’s a “strong chance” of two spinners featuring. “All three of our spinners are in good form. We just need to choose the right combination—maybe an all-rounder and a specialist spinner.”
India has plenty of spin options to choose from, including Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav. The choice will come down to balancing the bowling strength with the batting depth.
As things stand, India seems to be keeping all cards close to the chest. Bumrah is fit, but will they risk him now or save him for Lord’s? And will spin play a big role at Edgbaston? The final XI will be known only just before the toss.
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