India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has given a big blow to the BCCI for the Test series against England. In which he has told the board that he will not be able to play all the five Test matches of this series.
This news is sad for Indian fans, because Bumrah’s absence can give a big blow to India’s hopes of winning the Test series.
Why will Bumrah not play?
Bumrah recently suffered a back injury in the Sydney Test on the Australia tour. Due to this injury, he could not even bowl in the last innings.
According to the report of The Indian Express, Bumrah has clearly told the BCCI that he can play only three Test matches to manage his workload.
For the last few years, his back injury has been troubling him repeatedly, due to which he is not able to play consistently in Test cricket. In 2023 too, he was away from cricket for almost a year after back surgery.
Despite this, Bumrah has made a comeback in IPL 2025. For Mumbai Indians, he took 16 wickets in just 9 matches and played a big role in taking his team to the playoffs.
But the long format of Test cricket is more challenging for his body, and he does not want to take any risk with his fitness.
What will happen to India’s fast bowling?
India’s fast bowling attack may weaken in Bumrah’s absence. Mohammed Shami, who is India’s second most experienced fast bowler, may also be out of this tour due to fitness and form.
Shami has not played any Test since the World Test Championship final in 2023 and his performance in IPL 2025 was also not very good. In such a situation, BCCI is thinking of betting on young bowlers.
Arshdeep Singh and Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj may get a chance to make their Test debut. At the same time, Mohammad Siraj can lead the fast bowling on this tour.
But with no other experienced bowler apart from Siraj, the challenge for India on the fast pitches of England will increase further.
England Tour and New Captaincy
India will play a five-Test series in England from June 20, starting from Headingley. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, the Indian team is going through a new phase. The BCCI may announce the new Test team and captain on May 24.
Shubman Gill is considered a strong contender for the captaincy, while Rishabh Pant can be made the vice-captain. Bumrah was also in the race for the captaincy earlier, but his injury and unavailability put him out of the race.
Will India be able to end the 18-year drought?
India last won a Test series on England soil in 2007. In 2021, India was ahead 2-1, but the series was drawn 2-2 due to Covid. Bumrah took 18 wickets on the last England tour and his absence will be a big blow for India.
Now under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir and the leadership of the new captain, India has a chance to create history, but without stars like Bumrah and Shami, this path will not be easy.
