Former India captain Anil Kumble has urged Jasprit Bumrah to push himself and play both of the remaining Tests in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, adding that the fast bowler could manage his workload by skipping the upcoming home series later this year. Kumble stressed that India will need their pace spearhead in Manchester and London (The Oval), especially after the heartbreaking defeat at Lord’s on Sunday.
When Bumrah was named in the squad for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the pacer was expected to feature in three or four Tests. On arrival in England, Bumrah confirmed he was targeting just three matches, having already declined the captaincy offer to focus on workload management.
Even after India’s loss in the series opener at Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated that there would be no change in plans and that Bumrah would feature in only three Tests.
Bumrah was rested for the second Test in Birmingham, which India won comprehensively by 338 runs. He returned for the Lord’s Test and picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
“I would certainly, if I’m part of that group, push Bumrah to play the next game,” Kumble told JioHotstar after the match.
“That’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and then we lose the Test, that’s it—the series is done and dusted. I think Bumrah should play both the remaining Tests. I know he’s said he’s going to play only three, but there’s a long break after this. He doesn’t have to play the home series—he can take a break if needed. But I believe he should be out there for the next two.”
The fourth Test begins in Manchester on 23 July, eight days after the Lord’s Test concluded. However, the fifth and final Test at The Oval starts just three days after the fourth, on 31 July.
It remains to be seen whether Bumrah and the Indian team management will reconsider their workload strategy. If India level the series in Manchester, will they risk leaving out their ace bowler for the decider in London?
Bumrah had previously pushed himself to play all five matches of the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy. He dismantled Australia’s batting line-up throughout the series, but a recurring back injury flared up during the first innings of the final Test. His absence for most of the Sydney Test proved costly, as India missed a golden opportunity to level the series.
Bumrah subsequently missed the Champions Trophy and only returned to action during the 2025 IPL season.
After the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India are next slated to play a Test series against a visiting West Indies team at home in October before facing South Africa at home in November.
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