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India.com
4 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play 4th Test? Anil Kumble Warns India Ahead Of Must-Win Clash At Old Trafford
India's narrow 22-run loss to England in the third Test at Lord's has triggered a heated debate over team selection, specifically around the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Former India captain and spin great Anil Kumble has strongly urged the team management to field Bumrah in the upcoming fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, warning that India's hopes of clinching the series may vanish otherwise. Also Read: Inside Yuvraj Singh & Kim Sharma's Love Story: A Romance That Rocked Bollywood And Cricket Kumble's comments came in the wake of India's second defeat in the five-match series, giving England a 2-1 lead. Despite a late resistance led by Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, India couldn't stop Ben Stokes' men from sealing a dramatic win on Day 5. 'Series is Done and Dusted Without Bumrah': Kumble's Blunt Verdict Speaking to JioHotstar after the game, Kumble didn't mince words: 'If Bumrah doesn't play and we lose the next Test, the series is done and dusted. I know he was scheduled for only three Tests, but now is not the time to rest. He must play the fourth—and ideally, both remaining Tests.' Kumble emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially given the tight schedule. The fourth Test starts on July 23, while the final Test at The Oval begins just three days later on July 31. Workload Management Under Scrutiny The decision to rest Bumrah for the second Test at Edgbaston—despite India winning that match handsomely by 338 runs—was always part of a pre-planned workload management strategy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed early in the tour that Bumrah would not feature in all five games to avoid aggravating any old injuries. Bumrah himself had agreed to play just three Tests and even turned down the captaincy to focus solely on his bowling responsibilities. However, the defeat at Lord's has now changed the narrative, with critics calling for flexibility in the team's plans to suit the current situation. Why Bumrah's Presence Is Non-Negotiable Jasprit Bumrah has already proven his value in this series. In the Lord's Test, he delivered a stunning five-wicket haul in the first innings and troubled English batters with sharp movement and pinpoint accuracy. His absence in crucial phases, like the final day at Lord's or potentially at Old Trafford, could be the decisive factor that tips the balance in England's favor. Adding to the pressure is the memory of the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy, where Bumrah played all five matches against Australia and aggravated a back injury in the final Test. That absence cost India dearly. He later missed the Champions Trophy 2025 and only returned during the IPL 2025. Given this history, the management's cautious approach is understandable—but Kumble argues that strategic flexibility is essential when the series outcome is on the line. Next Steps: What Will Team India Decide? Captain Shubman Gill, when asked about Bumrah's availability for the remainder of the series, offered no definitive answer, simply stating, 'You'll get to know soon.' The management now faces a tough call—stick to the original plan or respond to the shifting dynamics of a fiercely contested series. India will face the West Indies and South Africa in home Tests later this year. This gives Bumrah ample time to rest after the England tour if needed. But for now, the priority is clear: level the series in Manchester to set up a decider at The Oval.
India Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Bumrah gets new workload management advice: Play last 2 Tests in England, rest later
Former India captain Anil Kumble has urged Jasprit Bumrah to push himself and play both of the remaining Tests in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, adding that the fast bowler could manage his workload by skipping the upcoming home series later this year. Kumble stressed that India will need their pace spearhead in Manchester and London (The Oval), especially after the heartbreaking defeat at Lord's on Bumrah was named in the squad for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the pacer was expected to feature in three or four Tests. On arrival in England, Bumrah confirmed he was targeting just three matches, having already declined the captaincy offer to focus on workload after India's loss in the series opener at Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated that there would be no change in plans and that Bumrah would feature in only three Tests. Bumrah was rested for the second Test in Birmingham, which India won comprehensively by 338 runs. He returned for the Lord's Test and picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings."I would certainly, if I'm part of that group, push Bumrah to play the next game," Kumble told JioHotstar after the match."That's crucial. If he doesn't play and then we lose the Test, that's it—the series is done and dusted. I think Bumrah should play both the remaining Tests. I know he's said he's going to play only three, but there's a long break after this. He doesn't have to play the home series—he can take a break if needed. But I believe he should be out there for the next two."The fourth Test begins in Manchester on 23 July, eight days after the Lord's Test concluded. However, the fifth and final Test at The Oval starts just three days after the fourth, on 31 remains to be seen whether Bumrah and the Indian team management will reconsider their workload strategy. If India level the series in Manchester, will they risk leaving out their ace bowler for the decider in London?Bumrah had previously pushed himself to play all five matches of the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy. He dismantled Australia's batting line-up throughout the series, but a recurring back injury flared up during the first innings of the final Test. His absence for most of the Sydney Test proved costly, as India missed a golden opportunity to level the subsequently missed the Champions Trophy and only returned to action during the 2025 IPL the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India are next slated to play a Test series against a visiting West Indies team at home in October before facing South Africa at home in November.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Ravindra Jadeja: The only Mr consistent of Tests in Gautam Gambhir era
The Indian cricket team is currently navigating one of its most challenging phases in recent red-ball history. In their last 13 completed Tests, India have managed to win just four matches, draw one, and suffer eight defeats. This difficult stretch includes a shocking 0–3 whitewash at home against New Zealand—a first in over a decade—and a 1–3 defeat to Australia that saw them relinquish the Border–Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in ten years. These results have come under the new leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid in 2024. Gambhir's red-ball strategy has revolved heavily around the inclusion of multiple all-rounders—a ploy designed to deepen the batting line-up and offer more bowling options. While this tactic worked wonders in white-ball formats, with India even clinching the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, its translation into Test cricket has been far less convincing. In a team still trying to find the right balance and rhythm under a new coaching philosophy, Jadeja's consistency—even if not always spectacular—has offered a much-needed sense of stability. While the larger experiment of relying on all-rounders is yet to find its feet in Test cricket, Ravindra Jadeja continues to quietly remind the cricketing world why he's among the finest red-ball all-rounders of his generation. But how has Jadeja fared in numbers so far in the Gautam Gambhir era? Take a look. India vs Bangladesh 2024: Strong Start to Gambhir Era Gambhir's first assignment as Test coach saw India hosting Bangladesh, where Jadeja underlined his all-round pedigree. In the first Test, when India's top order crumbled, it was Jadeja's composed 86 that helped resurrect the innings alongside Ashwin. With the ball, he added further value by taking five wickets, playing a crucial role in India's comfortable win. Though his bat didn't speak loudly in the second Test (8 runs), he still contributed with the ball—four wickets—to seal the series 2–0. If not dominant in both roles at once, Jadeja still ensured impact in every game. India vs New Zealand 2024: Lone Spark in a Tough Series In a series India would rather forget—losing 0–3 at home—Jadeja still stood up when needed. While he had a quiet first Test (5 runs, 3 wickets), he bounced back in the second with a solid 80-run effort and three wickets, showcasing his value even when others failed. The third Test was arguably his best of the series—10 wickets in the match. His batting contribution was minimal (20 runs), but Jadeja's bowling was instrumental in keeping India competitive. Though the team faltered, Jadeja remained a pillar of contribution, especially with the ball. Australia vs India 2024–25: Adjusting Roles, Adapting Quickly Jadeja missed the first two Tests but returned in the third and made an immediate statement with the bat—a fluent 77-run knock that helped India post a strong total. Even though he couldn't claim a wicket, he contributed as a batter with patience and intent. In the fourth Test, Jadeja was India's best bowler, bagging four wickets, though he scored just 19 runs. The fifth Test was a rare complete off-game for him—no wickets, 39 runs—but across the series, Jadeja showed the ability to respond to specific match demands, whether with bat or ball. England vs India 2025: Jadeja Leads with the Bat in Transition Phase With India entering a new era post the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Jadeja remained a vital cog. In the first Test against England, he managed only 36 runs and a solitary wicket, but the second Test saw him step up significantly with the bat—89 in the first innings and 69 in the second. While he just took one wicket, his 158-run match tally was a crucial reason why India registered their first-ever win at Edgbaston. In the third Test again, Jadeja contributed heavily with the bat, scoring 72 runs in the first innings and 61 not out runs in the second. He only took one wicket, but again he was there for India—at least in one role, if not both—as an all-rounder, cementing his position as Mr Consistent. Overall Performance of Indian All-rounders Under Gambhir Now coming to overall stats for all-rounders in Gambhir era , Jadeja—with 661 runs and 31 wickets—has justified his position as an all-rounder. Sundar took 23 wickets in seven matches, including 11 in his first match, and scored only 290 runs, while Reddy, in a similar number of matches, scored only 334, including a 114-run innings, but has only six wickets to his name. Now-retired Ashwin, in six matches, took 22 wickets but scored just 197 runs despite starting with a 113-run innings, while Thakur, in the only game he played, took only two wickets and scored five runs. This data proves that, if we take the overall numbers into account, Jadeja still looks far better than any other player in the same role for the team. Mix his performance with experience and his exceptional skills as a fielder, and Jadeja is currently the most needed player in the side. India will rely heavily on him to pass through the ongoing transition period.
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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
'He is not going to retire': Brian Lara on Kohli's retirement rumours
Amid swirling speculation over Virat Kohli's potential retirement from Test cricket, legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has voiced strong support for the Indian star, insisting that the format needs a player of Kohli's stature. Lara, in a post on Instagram, suggested that Kohli is unlikely to walk away from red-ball cricket anytime soon, predicting that the Indian great would average over 60 for the remainder of his career. The statement came just days after reports emerged that Kohli had expressed his desire to step away from the longest format of the game, following Rohit Sharma's confirmed retirement from Tests. These developments arrive ahead of India's high-stakes five-Test series against England, beginning 20 June at Headingley as part of the new World Test Championship cycle. Multiple sources have suggested that Kohli has been engaged in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the past month regarding his future in the Test arena. While nothing has been officially confirmed, reports indicate that the idea of retirement has been under serious consideration. The last senior pillar standing If Kohli were to retire, it would mark the end of a decorated 14-year Test career. He has accumulated 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His leadership record is equally impressive — 40 wins in 68 matches make him India's most successful Test captain to date. Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, and the exclusion of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from recent squads, Kohli remains one of the few senior players in the Test set-up alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli's recent form hasn't helped silence the speculation. In the recent Border–Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, he managed just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75. Still, his century at Perth — his first since July 2023 — was a reminder of his enduring class.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Kohli signals Test exit ahead of England tour; BCCI urges him to reconsider
Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to step away from Test cricket, according to a report by The Indian Express. However, top board officials have urged him to reconsider, especially with the crucial England tour approaching. 'He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request,' the news report quoted sources as saying. Kohli's decision follows Rohit Sharma's recent announcement to retire from the longest format, creating a significant vacuum in leadership and experience within India's Test setup. With selectors set to meet soon to finalise the squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, Kohli's final call holds critical importance. The former India captain has reportedly been contemplating his Test future since the Border–Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year. Although he scored a century in the opening match, Kohli struggled through the remainder of the series. He averaged just 23.75 across five Tests, falling to deliveries outside the off stump in seven of his eight dismissals. Impact on team setup Should Kohli confirm his retirement, India will head to England with a relatively inexperienced middle order. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to occupy the top spots, with Rishabh Pant lower down the order. However, the absence of seasoned campaigners like Rohit and Kohli will be strongly felt. Between them, the two stalwarts led India's Test team for nearly 11 years—Kohli from December 2014, followed by Rohit from February 2022. With both senior players stepping away, the selectors are likely to hand the reins to a younger leader. According to the report, Shubman Gill is the front-runner. Speaking at a Royal Challengers Bangalore event earlier this year, Kohli reflected on his mindset during the Australia tour. 'I might not have an Australia tour again in me in four years' time,' he said. He also acknowledged his mental struggles: 'Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside… you start burdening yourself.'
