England : With Team India trailing 1-2 in the five-Test series against England, the BCCI has sent a direct message about the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s presence in the upcoming 4th Test at Old Trafford.
Originally, the selectors planned to rest Bumrah for parts of the series for workload management, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir indicating he’d play only three out of five matches. However, after the 22-run loss at Lord’s and with an eight-day break before the next match, both former coach Anil Kumble and ex-cricketer Deep Dasgupta have called for a rethink.
Kumble stated,
“I would certainly push for Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and India end up losing the Test, that’s it, the series would be done and dusted. Bumrah should feature in both the remaining Tests.”
Deep Dasgupta added,
“The plan was for him to play the first, third and fifth Tests. But since India is 2-1 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial. You would definitely want the world’s best bowler to play. There is an eight-day gap between the two Tests.”
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has “all but confirmed” that Bumrah will play the fourth Test, heeding expert advice and the team’s urgent need for a win.
Bumrah’s inclusion is now seen as vital for India’s comeback hopes in the series, with calls to set aside original rest plans and play him in both remaining Tests.
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