With India preparing for the crucial fourth Test against England in Manchester, the big question remains: Will Jasprit Bumrah feature in the playing XI? The ace pacer, who has been sensational throughout the series, is at the center of a selection dilemma as team management weighs workload concerns against the importance of levelling the series.
Speaking on “Follow The Blues” on JioHotstar, former India coach Anil Kumble strongly advocated for Bumrah’s inclusion. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I would certainly push for Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and India end up losing the Test, that’s it, the series would be done and dusted,” Kumble said. “Bumrah should feature in both the remaining Tests. Yes, he mentioned earlier that he would only play three matches, but there is a long break after this. He does not need to be part of the home series if he wants rest. But right now, Bumrah should be playing the next two.”India trail 1-2 in the five-match series after a narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, where Bumrah was the standout performer with seven wickets.
The team had dominated large phases of the Test but faltered in the chase of 193, leaving them in a must-win situation at Old Trafford.India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered an update on Bumrah’s availability, admitting that the side is “leaning towards” playing him.“No, we’ll make that call in Manchester still. We know we’ve got him for one of the last two Tests. It’s pretty obvious the series is on the line now, so there will be a leaning towards playing him,” he said.With two Tests left and Bumrah being the second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 12 scalps at 28.09, his presence could make all the difference in India’s bid to stay alive in the contest.
