Isn’t it a bit surprising that Gautam Gambhir is sticking to the plan even after losing the first Test?
"He's (Jasprit Bumrah) going to play 3 test matches. We won't change the plans. I think for us to manage his workload is more important, because there's a lot of cricket going forward, and we know that what he brings on the table is well. So before he came on this tour, it was already decided that he was going to play three Test matches. But let's see how his body turns out. We haven't decided which two other Test matches he's going to play," said the Indian head coach after losing the 1st Test vs England.
But wait, what? Team India just lost the series opener, and yet there’s no rethink on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload plan? Bold move or blind faith?
Let’s take a step back and glance at Team India’s calendar after the England series. In August, India is scheduled to play an ODI and a T20I series in Bangladesh, followed by a 2-Test home series against the West Indies.
Packed schedule? Sure. But Bumrah's workload can still be managed by resting him from those matches instead.
Also, let’s not forget — the Asia Cup is hanging by a thread post Operation Sindoor. So technically, if Bumrah plays 4 or even all 5 Tests against England, he can afford a long break before the big-ticket Australia tour in October. Priorities, anyone?
And please, let’s not bring up the “back-to-back Tests” excuse. There’s an 8-day gap after the 1st Test. The 3rd Test ends on July 14, and the 4th doesn’t begin until July 23. For a fast bowler, that’s practically spa time.
Now let’s say we do rest Boom Boom in 2 of the remaining 4 Tests — who replaces him? With Harshit Rana already released, only two pacers are left on the bench: Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep.
Considering the rollercoaster show by Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj in Leeds, India are going to need serious backups. Not hopefuls.
Because if Bumrah doesn't play, who’s going to anchor this bowling unit? Not using your most lethal weapon in a make-or-break series? That’s not workload management — that’s gift-wrapping the series to England.
So, what’s going on? Are India’s think-tanks being rigid with their “3 Tests only” policy? Or — hear me out — is this all just one giant bluff?
Also Watch: 5 Uncomfortable Truths Team India has to accept after Leeds letdown
