If Jasprit Bumrah retires from Tests, then these 3 players can replace him in Team India

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been a vital part of the Test team over the years, but now, questions are being raised about his future in the longest format of the game. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently expressed concerns about Bumrah’s declining fitness and effectiveness in Test cricket. Kaif observed that Bumrah’s bowling speed has noticeably dropped—from consistently hitting 140 kmph to now hovering between 130-135 kmph. During the fourth Test against England in Manchester, Bumrah struggled both with the ball and physically. He took just one wicket and conceded over 100 runs—his worst performance in a Test match so far—and was seen clutching his leg during the game. Kaif believes that Bumrah’s body may no longer be able to handle the demanding workload of Test cricket, and hinted that the 31-year-old pacer might retire from the format sooner rather than later.

Bumrah has already been managed carefully in the ongoing series, playing only three out of four Tests to avoid injury. His absence from future Test matches would be a massive blow to India’s bowling lineup. Having played 48 Tests, Bumrah has consistently delivered match-winning performances, especially overseas. Replacing him will not be easy, but India does have promising pacers who can fill the void. Here are three players who could potentially step up if Bumrah decides to retire from Test cricket.

1. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm fast bowler, has become a regular in India’s limited-overs squads. Although he has yet to make his Test debut, he was recently added to the Test squad for the India-England series. Unfortunately, a thumb injury during training ruled him out of the Manchester Test. Nevertheless, Arshdeep has shown promise in red-ball cricket, taking 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches at an average of 30.37. His stint with Kent in English county cricket has also helped him adapt to seaming conditions. While his T20 credentials are already strong—with 97 wickets in 82 IPL matches—Arshdeep is eager to make his mark in the Test arena. If he remains fit and gets his chance, he could be a dependable replacement for Bumrah.

2. Vijay Kumar Vaishak

Another emerging name is Vijay Kumar Vaishak from Karnataka. A right-arm medium pacer known for mixing pace and using variations effectively, Vaishak has delivered impressive performances in the domestic circuit. He has picked up over 100 wickets in just 26 first-class matches at an excellent average of 23.88, including three five-wicket hauls. His success in IPL 2023, where he took nine wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore, brought him into the national spotlight. Although he didn’t play much in IPL 2024, he was snapped up by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 1.80 crore. Recently, he was also included in India’s squad for the South Africa tour, though he’s yet to debut. Vaishak’s ability to swing the ball and maintain control makes him a strong contender for a Test spot.

3. Akash Madhwal

Uttarakhand’s Akash Madhwal is another name that has emerged in the conversation, thanks to his breakthrough performance in IPL 2023. Madhwal stunned everyone with a 5/5 spell for Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, registering the best bowling figures by an Indian after Anil Kumble in IPL history. Although he started playing cricket at 24 after completing his engineering studies, Madhwal quickly made a name for himself. He has played 14 first-class matches and taken 16 wickets, with an economy rate of 3.49. In the IPL, he has claimed 23 wickets in just 17 matches. Despite being 31 years old, Madhwal’s recent performances and ability to handle pressure situations make him a dark horse candidate for the Test team.

While none of these players can directly replicate Bumrah’s impact overnight, each brings unique skills that can be groomed for the longer format. With careful management and support, they may well be able to step into Bumrah’s shoes if he decides to step away from Test cricket.