Before Day 4 action began at Headingley, there was a light-hearted moment between India’s top pacer Jasprit Bumrah and his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, who was on broadcasting duties.
The banter turned special when Sanjana brought a message on behalf of two Indian legends, requesting Bumrah to play all five Tests in the ongoing series against England.
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What was Sanjana Ganesan’s request to Bumrah?
Speaking on the pre-match show, Sanjana said she was just relaying a message that came from pundits Cheteshwar Pujara and Sunil Gavaskar, who were urging Bumrah not to miss any of the five Test matches in this England tour.
With a smile on her face, she said, "There is a request that has come from upstairs from Cheteshwar Pujara and Sunil Gavaskar. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just telling you, quote 'Jasprit please play all five, please please.'"
How did Bumrah respond to Sanjana Ganesan’s request?
Bumrah, currently leading India’s pace attack with fire and control, smiled at the cheeky request. But he didn’t give a clear yes or no. He replied in his typical calm tone, "That is a conversation we will have on another day."
Jasprit Bumrah keeping the batters and us guessing 😫#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia | @Jaspritbumrah93 @SanjanaGanesan pic.twitter.com/lIKggth6qg
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 23, 2025
Before this series began, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir had already clarified that Bumrah will only feature in three out of the five Tests.
This decision was made to manage his fitness and avoid burnout. Even Bumrah himself admitted earlier that playing three matches was a smarter choice, given how demanding five Tests can be back-to-back.
The 31-year-old has battled several injuries in the past, including a back spasm that ruled him out after the 2025 Australia series and kept him away from the Champions Trophy, which India eventually won.