IND vs ENG: No Final Call Yet on Jasprit Bumrah’s Test Appearances in England -Gautam Gambhir
Jasprit Bumrah's role in India vs England Test series 2025 uncertain; Gambhir cites workload, WTC cycle begins
Team India are yet to finalise the exact matches star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley.
Speaking at the team’s pre-departure press conference in Mumbai, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that a decision is still pending.
“We haven’t taken that call, which three games he is going to play,” Gambhir said. “We are going to have a discussion with him and depending on the series as well. A lot will depend on the results of the series, where the series is heading.”
The concern around Bumrah’s participation comes due to workload management. As per chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Bumrah has been advised not to play back-to-back matches due to his recent history of back issues.
He had suffered a stress reaction during the fifth Test against Australia in January, which kept him out for part of the IPL 2025 season with Mumbai Indians.
Despite the uncertainty over Bumrah, captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence in the squad’s fast bowling options. India’s pace battery includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
“We have picked enough bowlers and a lot of fast bowlers are in great space,” Gill said. “Obviously, when you have someone like Bumrah, it’s always a bonus. But even without him, I think our bowlers are capable of winning us matches from any situation.”
Gambhir echoed similar thoughts, saying Bumrah’s absence could create opportunities for others.
“Like I said during the Champions Trophy, it gives someone else the opportunity to put his hand up. Yes, Bumrah is quality, but we’ve got enough quality apart from him as well in the squad.”
This tour marks a fresh beginning for India in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. It is also India’s first Test assignment after the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is not part of the squad either.
India will begin their England tour with a four-day warm-up match against India A at Beckenham, scheduled from June 13 to 16.
India vs England Test Series 2025 Schedule:
- 1st Test: June 20 – Headingley
- 2nd Test: July 2 – Edgbaston
- 3rd Test: July 10 – Lord’s
- 4th Test: July 23 – Old Trafford
- 5th Test: July 31 – The Oval
India have named an 18-member squad for this series and will look to start strong in the new WTC cycle.
