Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the India vs Bangladesh Test series? Check details

Following an intense white-ball cricket season, Team India is set to shift their focus back to red-ball cricket with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh scheduled for September at home. As they embark on this Test season, India aims to solidify their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 table, a title they have narrowly missed in the past two finals. However, India might face a significant challenge with the potential absence of their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Reports suggest that Bumrah could be rested for the Bangladesh series, a strategic move intended to strengthen India’s pace attack with fresh talent. This decision reflects a broader strategy to revitalize the pace department, particularly as India gears up for the crucial Australia tour.

The move to rest Bumrah comes after a period where his fitness and workload have been closely monitored. Previous Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had expressed reservations about using Arshdeep Singh as a Test bowler, citing concerns over maximizing his potential in the longer format. Bumrah’s absence could open opportunities for other bowlers to step up and demonstrate their capabilities in Test cricket.

With Bumrah’s potential rest, India’s pace lineup will be closely scrutinized, and the emergence of new talent could be a crucial factor in maintaining their competitive edge. This strategic adjustment aims to ensure that India remains a formidable force in Test cricket while also preparing for the high-stakes series against Australia.

“In the case of Bumrah, he knows his body the best and it will be up to him if he wants to play in the Tests against Bangladesh. The team management and selectors are clear that India needs a 120 per cent fit Jasprit Bumrah for all five Tests against Australia Down Under. Before that, there is New Zealand in India, where he will probably play and get ready for the sterner tests,” a BCCI source said as quoted by News18.

The potential inclusion of Arshdeep Singh or Khaleel Ahmed could be a significant boost for the Indian team. Former coach Rahul Dravid had previously expressed interest in exploring Arshdeep’s capabilities in red-ball cricket, highlighting his potential to contribute in Test matches. With Gautam Gambhir now at the helm as the current coach, there is renewed optimism about integrating new talent into the squad. Gambhir has successfully brought in his preferred choice, Morne Morkel, as the new bowling coach, a move that reflects his commitment to enhancing India’s pace attack.

Arshdeep Singh, known for his left-arm pace, stands out as a promising option for the Test squad. His inclusion could add a valuable dimension to India’s bowling options, offering a different angle and style of bowling that might complement the existing pace resources. With Gambhir’s support and Morkel’s expertise, Arshdeep could be given the opportunity to prove himself in Test cricket, potentially making a significant impact.

The decision to involve Arshdeep or Khaleel Ahmed could also provide a fresh perspective and added depth to India’s pace battery. As the team prepares for a crucial series against Australia and aims to maintain their top position in the World Test Championship, experimenting with new bowlers like Arshdeep might be an essential step. This approach aligns with Gambhir’s strategic vision and the broader goal of fortifying the team’s bowling lineup, ensuring they remain competitive in the longer format of the game.