Jasprit Bumrah was back doing what he does best- steaming in with full rhythm and hitting the deck hard. But whether he takes the field in the second Test at Edgbaston remains up in the air.
In the lead-up to the crucial match against England, Bumrah’s intense net session in Birmingham has caught attention. The video clips from India’s training went viral, especially as fans wonder if he will be rested to manage his fitness.
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Let’s take a closer look at the situation around Bumrah’s availability.
Did Bumrah show signs of full fitness during practice?
Bumrah was seen charging in with serious pace during the latest practice drills. He bowled long spells in the nets with the same aggression he showed in the Headingley Test. This sparked optimism among supporters that India’s pace spearhead might just feature in the second Test.
But training at full tilt doesn’t necessarily confirm match readiness, especially for a bowler India is clearly trying to preserve over a long season.
Despite being India’s best bowler in the first Test, where he took five wickets in the first innings, Bumrah ended up bowling 43.4 overs across the match. That’s a lot for someone returning from a serious back injury, which previously ruled him out of the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
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Team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has publicly spoken about workload management. It was pre-decided that Bumrah would only play three Tests in this five-match series, although the specific games were not locked in.
WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah sweats it out in nets
#INDvsENG | Jasprit Bumrah was all fire and focus at Edgbaston 💣⚡
— TOI Sports (@toisports) June 28, 2025
🌪️ Steaming in with serious pace, Bumrah looked in top rhythm ahead of the #2ndTest vs England.
The energy was intense, the intent crystal clear — India’s spearhead is ready for battle 🇮🇳💥 pic.twitter.com/mTe9rqFFZz
How important is Bumrah for India’s comeback?
India lost the first Test by five wickets after England pulled off one of their biggest run chases. While Bumrah was the standout, others around him failed to deliver.
Without him, the Indian bowling unit looks far less threatening, which is why the decision to rest him will be a tough one.
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Still, with three more Tests to go and a packed calendar ahead, India may lean on caution rather than risk. As of now, all eyes are on the team sheet on match day and fans will be hoping Bumrah’s name is there.