ENG vs IND 2025: ‘When Jasprit Bumrah plays, India loses more’- Former England legend makes a shocking statement

Since his debut in Test cricket, Jasprit Bumrah has been one of India’s most talked-about and unique fast bowlers. Known for his unusual bowling action and ability to deliver deadly spells with pace and accuracy, Bumrah has played 47 Test matches so far. In those games, India has won 20 but lost 23. This stat has sparked a controversial yet intriguing debate — does India actually perform better when Bumrah doesn’t play? Interestingly, in the 27 Tests that Bumrah has missed since his debut, India has won 19, lost only five, and drawn three. That’s a significantly better win-loss ratio when he’s absent from the side.

This debate has gained traction again during the ongoing five-match Test series in England. So far, India trails 2-1 in the series, losing two matches they arguably should have won. In the first Test, India allowed England to chase a huge 371-run target, and in the third Test at Lord’s, the Indian side failed to chase just 193 runs, both results swinging in England's favor. Notably, Bumrah featured in both of these losses. The only game India has won in the series came in the second Test in Birmingham — and that’s the one match Bumrah sat out to manage his workload.

Before the series began, Bumrah and the Indian team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir, agreed that he would play only three of the five Tests to manage his fitness and longevity. With two more matches left in the series, this has raised serious questions about his availability and what it might mean for India’s chances of bouncing back. The fourth Test begins on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester, and it has now become a must-win for India if they want to keep the series alive.

Former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd also weighed in on the Bumrah situation. Speaking to Talksport Cricket, Lloyd said that the next move depends entirely on Bumrah’s initial commitment to play only three matches in the series. “It is what he has said and what coach Gautam Gambhir has said that he will play three of the five Test matches. So, he has a choice. There are two matches left. He has played two matches. If he stays true to his words, he should play the next match at Old Trafford,” Lloyd explained.

He continued by adding a layer of speculation, stating, “If he plays the next match at Old Trafford and the result becomes 2-2, then you would think he will play at the Oval as well. I am speculating a bit more right now, but I think he will play the next match and see where the team gets. If England go 3-1 ahead, he will not play. But if the score is 2-2, then he will play at the Oval.”

When reminded of the curious statistic — that India’s only win in this tour came without Bumrah — Lloyd admitted it was indeed extraordinary. “That is extraordinary. Some people had said that when Bumrah plays, India loses more, he is one of the best bowlers in the world. And his action is weird, but he is a good bowler overall,” Lloyd remarked.

Bumrah’s impact and presence in the Indian team remain undeniable. He has delivered match-winning performances time and again and is often the go-to bowler in pressure situations. However, the team’s better win percentage without him does raise eyebrows, even if it could be coincidental or influenced by several other factors like pitch conditions, opposition strength, and overall team performance.

As the fourth Test approaches, all eyes will be on Bumrah and the Indian management. Will they stick to the original plan, or will the situation force a change in strategy? Either way, the outcome of the next Test will play a critical role in deciding the fate of the series — and possibly Bumrah’s continued participation in it.