There are a few issues in the Indian team right now, two of them are Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management and several injury concerns. The top pacer announced at the start of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 that he would only be available for three of the five Tests. While Bumrah has already played three games, the fifth and final game of the series is scheduled to be contested at the Oval on July 31.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra says Jasprit Bumrah should play at the Oval because he did not bowl much in the fourth Test.
With the series on the line for India, having Bumrah will be a huge help, especially if Rishabh Pant is out of the following game, he believes. Chopra also suggested that India’s workload management for Bumrah should be based mostly on how many overs he bowls, rather than how many games he plays.
“What happens to the bowling attack from here? Rishabh Pant is ruled out. So Dhruv Jurel will play, that is guaranteed. Gautam [Gambhir] has stated that no bowlers are currently injured or unfit, and that everyone is available. We had discussed workload management with Jasprit. Of course, it’s a rapid turnaround, but India has only bowled once,” the cricketer-turned-commentator explained in a YouTube video.
“We did not bowl on the first or last days. We bowled on days 2 and 3, and a little on day 4. Should Bumrah play the game at the Oval? A big question. Workload management is not about the number of matches you play. It should be about how many overs you bowl. Should Bumrah play with the series on the line? Chopra added.
In the three games played, Bumrah has picked up 14 wickets so far, including two five-wicket hauls. His inclusion for the fifth Test is much-needed for India, if they are to head back home without losing their third Test series on the trot.
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