Gambhir Says Bumrah’s Test Schedule in England Still Unclear

With Team India preparing to depart for their eagerly awaited five-match Test series in England on June 5, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah and his fitness status for the tour. Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media in Mumbai before the team’s departure, emphasizing that Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain and that the team plans to manage his workload carefully throughout the series to avoid any setbacks.

Bumrah is undeniably one of India’s most crucial bowlers, known for his skill and ability to take key wickets at critical moments. However, he has struggled with injuries in recent times. Earlier this year, during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, Bumrah suffered a stress reaction in his lower back. This injury sidelined him for nearly three months, causing him to miss several important matches, including the ICC Champions Trophy, which India won without his presence. His absence was keenly felt, but the team managed to perform admirably despite missing one of their top pacers.

Since then, Bumrah has been on the road to recovery. He made his comeback during IPL 2025 with the Mumbai Indians. However, he missed the first four matches of the IPL season to concentrate on his rehabilitation and regaining full fitness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team’s medical staff have been closely monitoring Bumrah’s progress to ensure he doesn’t get overworked, especially given the demanding nature of the England Test series ahead.

Gautam Gambhir explained that the team management has not yet made a final decision regarding exactly how many matches Bumrah will play or which ones he will be part of in the Test series. The team is keeping options open and plans to continually assess his fitness throughout the tour. This cautious approach aims to protect Bumrah’s long-term health while also making sure he can contribute effectively when on the field.

During the pre-departure press conference, Gambhir shared that they have not taken the final call on which three matches Bumrah might play. He mentioned that the decision will be made in consultation with Bumrah himself and will depend largely on how the series unfolds. The team’s performance and the state of the series will influence the workload management for Bumrah. Gambhir also highlighted that Bumrah is fully aware of the situation and understands the importance of managing his fitness carefully, which is a key factor in the team’s approach.

Managing Bumrah’s fitness is a delicate balance for Team India. On one hand, they need their strike bowler to be present and at peak performance to compete in challenging English conditions. On the other hand, pushing him too hard too soon could risk aggravating his injury or causing a relapse, which would be detrimental to both Bumrah and the team. This strategic management of his participation is a sign of how seriously the team views his recovery and their desire to maximize his contribution while ensuring his health.

The England Test series is crucial for India as they look to assert their dominance in overseas conditions and build momentum for future international fixtures. Bumrah’s presence, when fit, can be a game-changer given his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver consistent pace. His experience and skill add immense value to the Indian bowling attack, making his fitness a top priority for the team management.

In conclusion, as Team India embarks on this important tour, Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness will be under close watch. The team’s strategy to carefully manage his workload reflects a pragmatic approach to injury management and performance optimization. Fans and cricket experts alike will be eagerly watching how Bumrah performs during the series and hoping for his full fitness so he can play a pivotal role in India’s quest for success in England.