India's loss to England in the Headingley Test has put their bowling failures under the spotlight. Indian batters hit five centuries across the two innings, yet the team failed to defend 371 in the fourth innings.
It was an effort that left many wondering how long Jasprit Bumrah can continue to shoulder the bowling burden.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Now, head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear: Bumrah will not play all four remaining matches in the series. The team is sticking to its original plan - rest and rotate their star pacer.
Jasprit Bumrah's availability for IND vs ENG 2nd Test
Speaking after the five-wicket defeat, Gambhir ruled out any knee-jerk reactions to the result.
"[We] haven’t decided which two matches Bumrah will play, but he will play a total of three. We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that. He will play three Tests only," Gambhir told reporters.
More: IND vs ENG: India missed Virat Kohli's passion and intensity at Headingley, says Madan Lal
Bumrah bowled superbly in the first innings, taking five wickets for 83 runs. But he went wicketless in the second as England's aggressive approach and India's inconsistent bowling, especially from Prasidh Krishna and Ravindra Jadeja, allowed the hosts to cruise home.
What did Shubman Gill say on resting Bumrah for upcoming Tests?
Skipper Shubman Gill backed Gambhir's approach. He added that the final decision will be made closer to the match.
"It's decided game-by-game. Once we're close to the next game after a long break, we'll see," Gill said in the post-match presentation.
India will now head to Birmingham for the second Test which begins on July 2. Whether Bumrah features there or is rested for Edgbaston remains to be seen but it's clear India will have to manage without him in at least one more game this series.