Gautam Gambhir, Team India’s head coach, has spoken up on ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management for the upcoming tour of England. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian squad in a five-match Test series against England, which begins on June 20.
The pacer might not play all five games because of Bumrah’s exertion and the length of the series. While not having him for all games may be a setback, Gautam Gambhir believes it presents an opportunity for other players to step in.
“Always difficult to replace Bumrah but as I said in the Champions Trophy, it is an opportunity for someone to put his hand up. And there is enough quality there,” he said during the pre-departure press conference on Thursday, June 5 (via The Indian Express).
Gambhir responded that they have not yet made a decision on the number of Test matches Bumrah will play.
“We haven’t taken that call. A lot will depend on the results in the series and we will have a discussion with him. That is something that I am sure he is also aware of.”
Gautam Gambhir
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah missed the home white-ball series against England as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy owing to injury. He missed the first few matches of the IPL 2025 season as well, but later returned to play for the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Shubman Gill confident in pace attack despite Jasprit Bumrah’s limited availability
Shubman Gill, India’s newly elected captain, also discussed the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah missing all five Tests. The skipper stated that the team has other pacers who can help them win games.
“Lot of our fast bowlers are in a great space to win us Test matches from any position. Obviously someone like Jasprit Bumrah, whenever he would play it would be a great sight for us. But we have a great mix of bowlers.”
Shubman Gill
Jasprit Bumrah will play a significant part in England if India have to start their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle on a good note.
The right-arm pacer was their leading wicket taker in the 2024-25 BGT series against Australia with 3 wickets. Whether Bumrah plays one Test or many in the series he will need to take responsibilities (be it for Shami’s absence or otherwise) and work towards striking an intense balance between him and Jadhav.
