India’s Plan to Rest World No. 1 Paceman for Decisive Match
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will not play in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval (July 31–August 4, 2025). The BCCI’s medical team has advised resting him to protect his back and preserve long-term fitness—a decision aligned with a pre-tour blueprint that scheduled Bumrah for only three Tests in England.
According to reports, Akash Deep is the frontrunner to replace Bumrah in the playing XI. The young pacer missed the fourth Test due to a minor groin issue but is now declared fit and available for selection.
Series Workload Strategy Confirmed
Before the tour began, India’s think tank—led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill—had pre-planned Bumrah’s involvement, citing workload management. He featured in Tests 1, 3, and 4, while being rested for the second Test at Edgbaston.
After the fourth Test in Manchester, Gambhir confirmed that all fast bowlers were physically fine, but a final call on Bumrah’s participation would be taken based on fitness data. Gill also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having a fully fit Bumrah for high-impact games but also expressing confidence in India’s bench strength.
Bumrah’s Performance & Signs of Fatigue
Bumrah has arguably been India’s standout performer in the series, taking 14 wickets across three Tests. He has delivered over 120 overs, including a heavy workload of 33 overs in the fourth Test alone. That match saw him concede over 100 runs for the first time in his Test career.
Cricket experts and former players have observed signs of fatigue in Bumrah’s body language and bowling rhythm. His pace dipped slightly, and accuracy became inconsistent during his later spells—adding weight to the decision to rest him for the final Test.
What Happens Without Bumrah
With Bumrah unavailable, Akash Deep is expected to slot into the XI. The team also has Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav as backup options, depending on pitch conditions and team balance. Akash Deep impressed on debut earlier in the series, and this presents another opportunity for him to stake his claim.
India’s bowling attack for the fifth Test may lean on variety over star power—relying on Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and potentially a left-field inclusion like Arshdeep for a fresh angle.
The Stakes at The Oval
England leads the five-Test series 2–1, with one match drawn. A win or draw at The Oval will give the hosts a rare home series victory against India, while a win for India would level the series.
England’s bowling attack is also under strain, having bowled nearly 900 overs across the first four Tests. The physical toll is visible, especially on veteran players like James Anderson and captain Ben Stokes, who is managing a chronic knee condition.
Strategic Implications
Resting Bumrah in a decider might appear controversial, but the decision prioritizes long-term fitness and player welfare. Bumrah has a history of stress fractures, and overuse on England’s seam-friendly tracks could prove detrimental with a packed calendar ahead—including the World Test Championship final cycle and home assignments.
This move also tests India’s bench depth and the team’s ability to cope without their bowling spearhead. It’s a gamble, but one rooted in strategy rather than impulse.
Final Word
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the fifth Test against England, India enters The Oval clash with a reshuffled pace attack and plenty of questions. But it also offers rising stars like Akash Deep a chance to shine on a big stage. Whether this rotation policy pays off or leaves India exposed will be determined over five grueling days in London.
As cricket’s longest format continues to test endurance and planning, India’s choice to rest Bumrah shows that player preservation is no longer optional—it’s essential.
