Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Second Test at Edgbaston: Gambhir, Gill, Agarkar to Take Final Call
Birmingham, June 27, 2025 — As Team India prepares for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston, all eyes are on one burning question: Will Jasprit Bumrah play? After a disappointing loss in the opening Test at Leeds, the Indian camp is under pressure to level the five-match series. However, a key decision about Bumrah’s participation is yet to be finalized.
Bumrah’s Workload Management Plan: Only 3 of 5 Tests?
India’s ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was instrumental in the first Test with a five-wicket haul, may sit out the second Test as part of a pre-planned workload management strategy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, in his post-match press conference, reiterated that there would be no deviation from the decision to limit Bumrah to only three out of the five Tests this English summer.
“We won’t change the plans. For us, managing his workload is more important because there’s a lot of cricket going forward, and we know what he brings to the table,” Gambhir stated.
This policy was set even before Bumrah boarded the flight to the UK, considering his injury history and the packed international calendar ahead, including the August ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and home series.
Why Bumrah’s Absence in the Second Test Matters
Bumrah’s exclusion from the Edgbaston Test could have serious implications for India. His performance in the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds, was one of the few positives. Bumrah bowled 44.4 overs across both innings and consistently troubled the English batters, claiming a well-deserved five-for in the first innings.
With India losing the first Test despite holding a dominant position for three days, the pressure is now on to bounce back strongly. Bumrah’s ability to generate swing and pace, especially in English conditions, is crucial.
A bowling attack without Jasprit makes India’s task significantly harder and may force selectors to reshuffle the playing XI, potentially bringing in someone like Mukesh Kumar or Avesh Khan.
Key Decision-Makers: Gambhir, Gill & Agarkar
Interestingly, sources inside the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reveal that Gautam Gambhir (head coach), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are the three main decision-makers behind Jasprit’s selection for each Test.
A final assessment of Bumrah’s fitness is expected to take place a day before the Edgbaston Test, scheduled to begin on July 2, 2025. With a six-day break after the first Test (ended June 24), there is technically enough recovery time for Bumrah, but the final call depends on how he feels physically.
A senior BCCI official was quoted as saying:
“There’s a week between the matches. If Bumrah is 100% fit, he could be considered. But we don’t want to risk him ahead of the Lord’s Test. There’s only a three-day turnaround between the second and third Test.”
Strategic Gamble: Edgbaston vs. Lord’s
The Indian think-tank now faces a difficult choice: Should Bumrah play the second Test at Edgbaston or be preserved for the more iconic venue, Lord’s?
Given the short turnaround between the second (July 2–6) and third Tests (July 10–14), it is unlikely that Bumrah will be asked to play both. A rested Bumrah could be unleashed at Lord’s, a venue that suits his bowling style and where he has tasted success in the past.
Former India selector MSK Prasad shared his opinion with the press:
“Ideally, Bumrah should play when the series is still alive. But the team management understands how to manage his body better than anyone.”
Team Balance Without Bumrah
If Jasprit misses out, India will need to rely heavily on Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and possibly Mukesh Kumar or Avesh Khan to lead the pace attack. Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin are also expected to play key roles on a surface that might assist spin later in the match.
India’s bowling unit will need to deliver a disciplined performance to contain an English lineup that plays with a fearless “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
Gill’s Influence Raises Eyebrows
While it’s natural for coaches and selectors to influence team selection, reports of Shubman Gill’s significant involvement in deciding Jasprit’s inclusion or exclusion have surprised many. Gill, who has rapidly grown in stature, may be part of a new leadership group being groomed for the future.
Some experts feel that too many voices in selection decisions could lead to confusion. Others believe it’s part of a new collaborative leadership model being promoted under Gambhir’s tenure.
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What’s Next for Bumrah?
With the Test series delicately poised, every game is now a must-win for India. Jasprit’s participation could make the difference between a series loss and a strong comeback. However, long-term player sustainability appears to be the current priority for the BCCI and team management.
Given Bumrah’s history of back injuries and his value across formats, India seems unwilling to risk him for short-term gains. Whether this cautious approach pays off will only become clear once the series concludes.
Conclusion: Gamble or Masterstroke?
If India levels the series without Bumrah in the second Test, the strategy will be hailed as smart planning. But if the team falls 0–2 behind, the decision to rest their best bowler might come under heavy scrutiny.
Until then, the cricketing world waits to see if Jasprit walks out at Edgbaston — or watches from the sidelines as India fights to stay alive in the series.
