Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the squad for the fifth and final Test against England, a decision made to manage his significant workload.
Bumrah Rested for Final Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced on Friday that Jasprit Bumrah would not be part of the squad for the ongoing fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval in London.
This move comes as part of a pre-planned strategy to manage the ace bowler’s workload in the longest format of the game. The BCCI statement confirmed his release, highlighting the team’s commitment to player well-being.
Pre-Planned Workload Management
Sources indicate that Bumrah, currently the world’s number one Test bowler, had informed the board prior to the tour that he was scheduled to play only three Tests in this series. Despite some speculation about him playing a fourth, the team management stuck to their original plan.
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, had previously emphasized that there would be “no compromise on workload,” even if the series outcome was on the line. This commitment underscores the priority given to player fitness over immediate results.
Team Changes for The Oval Test
With Bumrah’s release, India made four key changes to their playing XI for the fifth Test. Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Anshul Kamboj, and Shardul Thakur were replaced by Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair.
The series is currently underway, and India’s skipper lost his fifth consecutive toss, with England electing to bowl first on a green-top surface. Indian batters faced a tough challenge against the English attack in overcast conditions, ending Day 1 at 204/6, with Nair and Washington Sundar remaining unbeaten.
India’s Updated Squad
The decision to rest Bumrah meant the team management put their faith in a younger pace attack, led by Mohd. Siraj, for this crucial match.
- Shubman Gill (C)
- KL Rahul (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Mohd. Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Anshul Kamboj
- Arshdeep Singh
- N Jagadeesan (WK)
This strategic move highlights India’s long-term planning for their key players, ensuring they remain fit and effective for future challenges across all formats.
