IND vs ENG: Ravi Shastri Rips Into Gambhir and Gill for Resting Jasprit Bumrah in Edgbaston Test

Team India finds itself under scrutiny once again, not just for its on-field performance, but for its off-field decisions as well.

After a disappointing loss in the opening Test match against England, India trails 0-1 in the five-match series.

The second Test at Edgbaston got off to a controversial start as India’s call to rest Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, for workload management left fans and pundits baffled.

This move hasn’t gone down well with the fans, and now former India head coach Ravi Shastri has publicly criticized the team management.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Shastri didn’t hold back, slamming head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill for leaving out India’s premier fast bowler despite a full week’s rest after the first Test.

“You have the best fast bowler in the world and you make him sit out after seven days’ rest. It’s something very hard to believe and I can’t agree with it,” Shastri told Sky Sports.

Adding more weight to his criticism during live commentary, Shastri questioned the logic behind the call.

“It is the call of head coach Gautam and Shubman Gill, but it is a bizarre call, especially considering that you’ve already lost the opening match. This is a crucial Test, you must play your most important player after seven days of rest. There are no ifs and buts.”

While Bumrah was rested, India handed opportunities to young pacer Akash Deep, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar, as three changes were made to the playing XI.

However, the absence of Bumrah, especially in seamer-friendly conditions at Edgbaston, has raised serious questions about India’s intent and planning.

With the series already in England’s favor, many believe that resting a player of Bumrah’s stature in such a key match could prove costly.