With the high-stakes fifth Test at The Oval looming, all eyes are on whether India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, will feature in the final clash of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. As per the original plan, Bumrah was slated to play only three Tests during the England tour, and with that quota completed, his availability for the series-decider remains uncertain.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, while assuring that all Indian fast bowlers are currently fit, chose not to confirm Bumrah’s inclusion for the final Test. India showed immense character in salvaging a hard-fought draw in the fourth Test at Manchester. After trailing for most of the match, they mounted a spirited resistance on the final day.

Centuries from skipper Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar powered India to a formidable 425/4, helping them neutralise England’s advantage and walk away with a moral victory of sorts. However, concerns over Bumrah’s physical condition surfaced during the match.

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His pace was noticeably reduced, and he appeared uncomfortable, even limping toward the dressing room and struggling on the steps. Given India’s injury-laden pace department—Akash Deep is recovering from a groin injury, Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his bowling hand, and Mohammed Siraj has been tirelessly toiling in all four Tests—Bumrah’s situation gains critical importance.

Gautam Gambhir reiterated, “All the fast bowlers are fit. There are no injury concerns.” Yet when asked directly about Bumrah’s participation in the final Test, he offered a diplomatic reply: “No decision has been made. Whoever plays will give their best for the country.”

Shubman Gill, too, was non-committal on Bumrah’s availability, saying, “We’ll have to wait and see.”

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England hold a 2-1 lead going into the fifth Test, and even a draw would be enough for them to secure the series. For India, it’s a must-win encounter to level the series, and they would want their most lethal weapon—Bumrah—firing on all cylinders.