Gautam Gambhir weighs Jasprit Bumrah’s Test workload: will India risk his fitness?

With Bumrah recovering from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s management remains cautious about his full participation in the England Test series. Gambhir’s strategic approach to workload could shape the bowling attack’s effectiveness and India’s chances in the upcoming matches.

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India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed a measured approach regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming England Test series, emphasizing the importance of managing the pacer's fitness.

Bumrah, aged 31, recently endured a back injury after playing all five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which subsequently ruled him out of the Champions Trophy due to incomplete recovery.

"They will decide Bumrah's participation in matches depending on how the series plays out," Gambhir stated, highlighting a flexible strategy to safeguard the bowler's health.

The chief selector also confirmed that, based on medical feedback, Bumrah will not be available for all five Tests on the England tour.

Despite concerns over Bumrah's workload, Gambhir remains confident in the depth of India's bowling attack, noting, "I am not overly concerned about Bumrah missing a couple of the Tests, as the rest of the bowling unit can step up in his absence."

This cautious approach reflects a broader trend in international cricket to balance player fitness with competitive demands, especially for key players like Bumrah who have been pivotal in India's recent successes.

Managing Bumrah's workload carefully could be crucial for maintaining his long-term fitness and effectiveness, particularly given his recent injury history and the demanding international schedule ahead.
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India's head coach Gautam Gambhir is cautious about Jasprit Bumrah's Test workload, indicating the pacer may not play all matches on the England tour due to fitness concerns. Bumrah, 31, recently suffered a back injury after playing all five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
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The Headline

Bumrah's Test availability uncertain; Gambhir confident in bowling unit

They will decide Bumrah's participation in matches depending on how the series plays out.
Gautam Gambhir
Head Coach of India
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I am not overly concerned about Bumrah missing a couple of the Tests, as I have confidence in the rest of the bowling unit to step up in his absence.
Gautam Gambhir
Head Coach of India
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Key Facts
  • India's chief selector announced that based on medical feedback, 31-year-old Jasprit Bumrah will not be available for all five Tests on the England tour.1
  • Gautam Gambhir stated that Bumrah's participation in matches will be decided as the series progresses to manage his workload effectively.1
  • Gambhir expressed confidence in the rest of the bowling unit to compensate for Bumrah's possible absence in some Tests.1

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Background Context

Bumrah's back injury impacts recent availability

Key Facts
  • Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back injury after playing all five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series.1
  • Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy as he had not fully recovered from his back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.1
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