India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah not taking part in the series decider against England at The Oval has sparked a debate over his Test future.
Considering his injury-ravaged body, it is highly unlikely that Bumrah would ever be fully available for a five-match series in the foreseeable future. The next such assignment isn't until 2027, at home against Australia.
He made himself available for three Tests out of five in England and stuck to his side of the bargain but the followers of the game including greats like Anil Kumble were left wanting more with the series on the line in the final Test. Him being released from squad on Friday also had the tongues wagging.
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate called the subject of Bumrah's availability a complex one but considering the risks associated with his fragile back following two surgeries, the team management decided to honour the pace spearhead's decision that he took before the start of the series.
In the near future, India play only two-match Test series against the West Indies and South Africa while the important white ball commitments include the Asia Cup in September and the T20 World Cup at home early next year.
"There is an Asia Cup around the corner, the T20 World Cup is also there. He would want to play those events. Considering his body, he can't play every game. He needs to be managed with extra care. Playing him at The Oval would have been a huge risk.
"Going forward, there needs to be a clear plan on how to manage Bumrah’s Test career," said a BCCI source.
The 31-year-old Bumrah bowled 119.4 overs across three Tests and took 14 wickets including two five-wicket hauls at Leeds and Lord’s. India's only win of the series thus far came at Edgbaston where Bumrah was rested.
Without a doubt, he figures among the world's best but considering the risks involved, should he be allowed to pick and choose games? Is that fair on the other Indian fast bowlers? For context, workhorse Mohammed Siraj has featured in all five games of an intensely-fought series.
"I don't think picking and choosing is a fair comment to Bumrah, he did say he was going to play three games, he left it up to us which three he played. We've tried to manage the situation, it's not ideal I guess giving those guys attention, the guys who aren't playing particularly when you're carrying 18 is important," Doeschate said.
"… they're disappointed when they get left out, they don't let it show when they're around the group and that's very important to creating a good culture for the guys who are playing to perform," he added referring to the likes of Arshdeep Singh, who could not find a place in the eleven over the course of the 50-day tour.
In the media interaction post day one at The Oval, majority of the questions revolved around Bumrah.
"It's quite a complex issue around Bumrah, we obviously want to wheel him in, but we also want to respect where his body's at, and on the basis of that, we just felt that it wasn't worth including him in the squad," added Doeschate.
The 31-year-old became a household name with his exploits in the shortest format but it did not take him long to gain respect of the opposition after making his Test debut in 2018.
Post the England series, the Indian team selectors will sit down and review the tour. On top of their agenda would be Bumrah's red-ball future. Should he continue to be used sparingly in an important series or sacrifice one format for the other? The picture should be clearer soon.
