Had Jasprit Bumrah not gotten injured during the last day of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Sydney, we might have had India’s first permanent pace-bowling Test captain since Kapil Dev. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, he could’ve been a straightaway pick had injuries not frightened the entire nation about Bumrah’s availability. Now, the onus will be on Shubman Gill to use Bumrah tactfully and cautiously when India start their another tedious five-match tour of England.
Ganguly’s advice to Gill for Bumrah
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who had a rollicking Test debut in England itself, had some suggestions for India’s new red-ball skipper Shubman Gill. While speaking to RevSportz, the Prince of Kolkata asked Gill to use Bumrah only as a wicket-taking option. Unlike in Australia, where Bumrah massively overbowled, he should be handled with care.
Ganguly went on to say that Bumrah shouldn’t bowl more than 12 overs a day in a Test in England. Simply because him being available is more valuable than Bumrah overbowling himself in desperation. Back in Australia, Bumrah made himself bowl much more than he should’ve, something that Umesh Yadav also alluded to.
“Jasprit Bumrah is your man,” said Sourav Ganguly to RevSportz. “You have to understand that you can’t just keep bowling him. Shubman Gill has to take note. Use him as a wicket-taker. Don’t bowl him more than 12 or 13 overs a day. Let the other bowlers step up. If you can protect Bumrah and use him as a wicket-taker, you surely have a chance.”
Bumrah’s workload was extraordinary in the BGT series, having bowled 151.2 overs, the most by any Indian bowler (when Bumrah was available). He claimed 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, with three five-wicket hauls. Despite a lacklustre performance from India’s batters and inconsistent bowling from other pacers and spinners, Bumrah stood out as the team’s saviour. However, his body gave out during the Sydney Test. He complained for a back spasm and couldn’t bowl in the second innings, where Australia clinched the Test and won BGT by 3-1.
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 |
