India is in trouble. After a 22 run loss at Lord’s, the team is 1–2 down in the 5 match Test series against England. And suddenly all eyes are on one man Jasprit Bumrah.
The pressure is building and BCCI is reportedly asking Bumrah to come back for the 4th Test at Old Trafford starting July 23.
Bumrah has already played 2 Tests in the series and the original plan was to rest him for the remaining one to manage his workload. But after the recent loss that plan may not hold up anymore.
Before the series began the management had decided that Bumrah would only play 3 Tests. After his stunning performance in the 1st Test at Leeds he was rested for the 2nd.
India still won that game thanks to brilliant spells from Siraj and Akash Deep. But in the 3rd Test at Lord’s the cracks started to show. India couldn’t defend a small target or build partnerships while chasing 193.
Anil Kumble didn’t mince words after the loss. “If Bumrah doesn’t play and we lose the next Test the series is gone.”
He even added that Bumrah can rest later maybe during the home season but India can’t afford to rest him now when the series is slipping away.
Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta also agreed saying Bumrah’s presence is “vital” and could be the key to turning the series around.
Now that Bumrah has already played 2 matches the big question is: Will he play the 4th Test, the 5th or both. The 4th Test in Manchester is a must win for India to stay in the series.
If they manage to level it 2–2 the 5th Test will be a decider and Bumrah might be needed there too.
The team has a tough call to make: stick to the workload plan or go all in to save the series?
The venue also adds pressure. India has never won a Test in Manchester. Out of 9 games there they have drawn 5 and lost 4. The last time India played there was in 2014 and they lost badly by an innings.
The 4th Test starts July 23 and this might be India’s last real chance to fight back.It’s not just about one player anymore. It’s about keeping the series alive. Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s most reliable match-winner with the ball.
If he plays India has a chance to come back. If he doesn’t the road only gets tougher from here.
The ball is in the team management’s court. Will they make the big call and will Bumrah be willing to push himself one more time? The series and India’s pride might just depend on it.
