Jasprit Bumrah Available for Edgbaston Test, Final Decision to Be Taken Closer to Match: Shubman Gill
India captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection for the second Test against England, which begins on Wednesday, July 2 at Edgbaston. However, the final call on Bumrah’s inclusion will be made after assessing the pitch and overall team balance.
“Bumrah is surely available. We have to look into this workload management. We have to look into the final combination today at the nets,” Gill said during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
🔍 Bumrah’s Performance in Series Opener
The No.1 ICC Test bowler, Bumrah, was India’s standout performer in the first Test at Headingley, delivering 43.4 overs across two innings and taking 5 wickets in the first. However, he went wicketless in the second innings, sparking workload management concerns. Notably, Gill did not use him even when England were 85 runs from the target of 371, suggesting deliberate rotation.
🧠 Workload Management Strategy in Place
As per earlier announcements, Bumrah is scheduled to play only three Tests in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, despite widespread calls for him to play the entire series.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir had already clarified that there would be no change of plans, prioritizing the pacer’s long-term fitness over short-term needs.
“We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games, but we had that sorted beforehand. Yes, obviously we would miss him, but we have our plans sorted,” Gill reiterated.
🔁 Which Matches Will Bumrah Play?
Gill said the team is deciding match-by-match rather than fixing which three Tests Bumrah will play.
“It’s not been pre-decided. The situation is fluid,” he added.
⚕️ Background: Bumrah’s Injury & Caution Since Return
Bumrah has been under tight workload scrutiny ever since suffering a back spasm during the 2021 Sydney Test. The pacer later missed several key tournaments:
- ❌ ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- ❌ Initial matches of IPL 2025 with Mumbai Indians
Ahead of the England series, Bumrah himself revealed that he opted out of the Test captaincy discussion post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement, citing the physical challenge of playing all five Tests.
With India trailing 0-1 in the series and bowling concerns looming large, all eyes are now on the team management’s final XI call at Edgbaston. If selected, Bumrah’s presence could be pivotal in swinging the momentum back in India’s favor.