When India step out at Headingley for the first Test against England, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah. In a series where India’s Test squad is going through a transition and where youth will be tested against England’s high-octane ‘Bazball’, it is Bumrah who will hold all the puppets in his hands.
India need Jasprit Bumrah at his best
Bumrah was the Indian bowler who almost single-handedly saved the team from embarrassment during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He bowled exceptionally well, leaving Australian batters searching for answers throughout the tour. Although a back spasm forced him out of the last innings, Bumrah was simply bowled like a “national treasure”.
After missing the ODI Champions Trophy, he returned in IPL 2025 and continued his form, taking 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.68. English batters will likely be wary of him, but they might find some relief knowing he’s eyeing to play three Tests due to workload management.
However, former captain David Gower, speaking to TimesofIndia.com, made a compelling case. He has put forward an idea of including Bumrah even if his fitness level is at 75-80%. While it could be a risky move, Gower explains that England would prefer the wrecker-in-chief not to play at all.
“Jasprit Bumrah is a fantastic bowler—world-class. His fitness is crucial. If I were England, I’d prefer he doesn’t play at all! If India need to manage his workload, they must be strategic—look at pitch conditions, the opposition, and figure out where he can make the most impact. English pitches are usually decent—not overly bowler-friendly—so someone of Bumrah’s quality can be the difference. If he’s even 75–80% fit, I’d still want him in the XI. India will need to be smart and flexible, depending on how he’s feeling and what conditions demand.“
Bumrah’s workload management
With 367 Test overs bowled in the 2023 calendar year and an injury layoff after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the selectors have taken a cautious approach. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Bumrah won’t feature in all five Tests.
Despite this, Bumrah has confirmed he will play the Leeds opener, stating, “Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. The first is definitely on.”
Bumrah is the 8th highest wicket-taker for India in Tests against England, with 60 wickets to his name, and is the only active pacer in the top 10. In England, the pacer has 37 sclaps to his name from 9 matches, averaging 26.27 and has two five-wicket hauls to his name.
Jasprit Bumrah stats in England
- Matches: 9
- Wickets: 37
- Average: 26.27
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/64
- Five-wicket hauls: 2
Most balls bowled per innings at BGT 2024/25
| Player | Balls bowled per innings |
|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 100.8 |
| Pat Cummins | 100.2 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 94.3 |
| Mitchell Starc | 92 |
