Jasprit Bumrah's Return to Test Cricket: Availability Concerns and Captaincy Insights

Jasprit Bumrah is set to return for the Test series against England, but BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has expressed concerns about his ability to play all matches due to injury and workload management. Additionally, Bumrah's potential long-term captaincy role has been dismissed, with Agarkar emphasizing the importance of keeping him fit for the games. The BCCI has announced an 18-man squad, with Shubman Gill taking over the captaincy following Rohit Sharma's era. Read on for more insights into Bumrah's situation and the team's strategy.
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Jasprit Bumrah's Return to Test Cricket: Availability Concerns and Captaincy Insights

Bumrah's Comeback and Availability for England Series

After a lengthy absence from domestic cricket following his return from Australia, Jasprit Bumrah has made a successful recovery and is included in the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. However, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has indicated that Bumrah may not participate in all five matches.


Bumrah has resumed playing in the 2025 Indian Premier League, consistently fulfilling his bowling duties. Nevertheless, concerns regarding his injury and workload management persist, which may prevent him from playing every match. Agarkar stated,


"I don’t think he is available for five Tests, as far as the physios and the doctors have told us. Whether it’s four, three, we will see how the series goes and how his body takes the workload. He is very important to us. Even if he is fit for three or four Test matches, he is going to win us Test matches."


He further added,


"We are glad he is fit and the setback he had in Australia wasn’t too bad. He has started playing again, I know it’s T20 cricket at the moment, but we have seen what he is doing in the IPL. I am very happy he is part of the squad."


Clarification on Bumrah's Captaincy Role

During the Border Gavaskar series, with Rohit Sharma's limited availability, Jasprit Bumrah stepped up as captain for two matches—one in Perth and the other in Sydney. However, the selection committee has ruled out the possibility of him taking on a long-term captaincy role.


The primary concern is his workload. Agarkar explained that managing the responsibilities of leadership alongside his bowling duties would be challenging for Bumrah. He also confirmed that Bumrah was informed about this decision prior to its announcement. Agarkar remarked:


"Because he led in Australia, Bumrah was the vice-captain (in BGT 2024-25). Once he was not going to be available for all the Test matches, I think he is more important to us as a player. We want him fit. I think there is always that extra burden as a leader, managing 15–16 other people. There's a lot that it takes out of you. We would rather have him bowling well rather than putting that extra burden on him."


He continued,


"He is aware of it. We have had a chat with him. And he is okay with it. He knows where his body is at the moment and he'd rather look after himself."


On Sunday, the BCCI announced an 18-member squad for the England series, with Shubman Gill appointed as captain following Rohit Sharma's tenure.


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