Team India are coming off one of their most memorable Test Series in history, as they secured a 2-2 draw against England, with a thrilling 6-run win in the final game of the series.
This series marked the return of Jasprit Bumrah in Test Cricket for the first time since his back injury after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy late last year vs Australia. He played just three games owing to workload management, and was released from the squad during the final Test match, with reports stating that he had suffered a knee issue. With India having a crucial season ahead, a former player has asked the team management to take a pretty bold decision.
India have two major white-ball tournaments in the next two years- the T20 World Cup 2026 and the ODI World Cup 2027. In Tests, the schedule is not that intense, with just two more series remaining this year- both at home against West Indies and South Africa respectively. In the WTC 2025-27 cycle, the only two overseas tours remaining are in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, while the rest of the games will be at home.
A former player, who did not wish to be named said that Jasprit Bumrah should be considered to play only one of two formats, especially in the white-ball format in the next two years or so.
“There is no question on the value that he brings to the side. But the management and board need to discuss how to use him – as an all format bowler or should he be asked to concentrate only on one or two formats,” the ex-player, who has closely worked with Bumrah said to PTI.
” (Mohammed) Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh (Krishna) have shown us that they can win Tests for India. Let’s back them fully. We have two important tournaments (T20 and ODI WC) coming our way, and we need Bumrah ready for them. For home matches (vs West Indies, SA), we have Washi and Kuldeep along with Jadeja, and Bumrah’s role will not be that big here,” he added.