Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star pacer, is reportedly set to be rested for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. This decision is likely driven by the team management’s desire to keep Bumrah fully fit for the more demanding series against Australia later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) believes that Bumrah’s participation in the crucial five-Test series against Australia is paramount, as the team eyes victory Down Under.
After a long stretch of white-ball cricket, Team India is transitioning back to Test cricket, with their first assignment being against Bangladesh in September. This series is a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle, and India is keen on maintaining their top spot on the WTC table, a title that has slipped through their fingers twice in the finals.
Bangladesh, likely to field their strongest team, might find themselves up against an Indian side missing its ace pacer. Reports indicate that Bumrah, who was recently rested for the Sri Lanka tour, might also sit out the Bangladesh series to ensure he is in peak condition for the upcoming Australia tour.
The potential absence of Bumrah opens the door for other fast bowlers, with Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed emerging as strong contenders. Arshdeep, in particular, has garnered attention as a promising addition to the red-ball format. Former coach Rahul Dravid had shown interest in Arshdeep transitioning into Test cricket, and with current coach Gautam Gambhir and new bowling coach Morne Morkel also supporting his inclusion, the left-arm pacer might be on the brink of his Test debut.
Khaleel Ahmed is another name in contention, adding depth to India’s pace attack. Both Arshdeep and Khaleel offer a left-arm option, which could provide a different angle of attack in the absence of Bumrah.
A BCCI source emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload, stating, “Bumrah knows his body best, and it will be up to him to decide if he wants to play against Bangladesh. However, the team management and selectors are clear that India needs a 120% fit Bumrah for the Australia series. Before that, there’s the New Zealand series at home, where he’ll likely play to get match-fit for the sterner tests.”
As India gears up for a critical season in red-ball cricket, the potential resting of Bumrah underscores the importance of strategic player management. While the Bangladesh series is vital, the bigger picture revolves around having a fully fit squad for the high-stakes encounters against Australia and New Zealand, which could determine India’s trajectory in the WTC 2025 cycle.
