New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly re-evaluating its selection approach regarding pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, potentially introducing a new policy that would see him included in Test squads only if he is fit to play the entire series.
According to a report by The Times of India, the move stems from concerns over Bumrah’s partial availability during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The pacer had informed the team management prior to the series that his body could only handle three out of the five Tests, leading to a pre-planned rotation strategy.
Bumrah was rested after India’s defeat in the first Test at Headingley. His return for the next two matches boosted the bowling attack, and he delivered a strong performance, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 26. However, visible signs of fatigue and minor injuries during the fourth Test led to his exclusion from the crucial fifth match at The Oval.
“Strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches can decide workload thresholds for players, but Bumrah’s selection should ultimately be based on a fitness assessment by the medical team,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying.
Despite ongoing speculation, the team has dismissed any notion that Bumrah is “picking and choosing” matches. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the criticism at a press conference following Day 1 of the Oval Test.
“It’s not a fair comment to say he’s picking and choosing,” ten Doeschate clarified. “Bumrah informed us he could play three games, and left it to the team to decide which ones. It’s a tough balance — we want to have him in the XI, but we also have to respect the condition of his body.”
The coach also emphasized that managing a large squad comes with challenges, especially in maintaining morale among non-playing members. “We’re carrying 18 players, and it’s important to give attention to those not playing too,” he added.
Bumrah’s injury concerns are not new. During the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, he featured in all five Tests and was arguably overbowled. He was heard on the stump mic during the Sydney Test expressing physical distress, saying he couldn’t push himself further. He eventually picked up an injury in that final match, after having bowled the most overs in the series.
With Bumrah being a key figure across formats, the BCCI is likely to tread cautiously — aiming to balance his match-winning abilities with long-term fitness sustainability.
