Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disbelief over Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston. With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, Shastri believes this was the match where Bumrah’s presence was non-negotiable.
The Indian team management, led by skipper Shubman Gill, revealed at the toss that Bumrah had been rested due to workload concerns, with Akash Deep stepping in. They also mentioned that Lord’s was seen as a venue more suited to Bumrah’s style. But Shastri was not convinced by the explanation.
“This is a very important match, and they’ve had a week’s rest. I’m surprised Bumrah isn’t playing. This should be the captain and coach’s call—not the player’s. In the context of the series, this Test is more vital than anything else,” said Ravi Shastri on Sky Sports.
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He argued that this was the moment for India to “counter punch” after losing the opener and that winning at Edgbaston could shift the series momentum. “Make it 1-1 here and then give Bumrah the choice to rest at Lord’s. But do you think he’d want to sit out if India wins? No chance. Given India’s recent away record—three losses each to New Zealand and Australia, and now one to England—this game becomes even more crucial.”
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Shastri questioned how India could afford to leave out the world’s best fast bowler after a full week of rest. Without Bumrah, he warned, India lacked the same edge.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad also echoed Shastri’s concerns. “A week is a long time off for a fast bowler. Bumrah saying he’ll only play three of five Tests was surprising. You keep that information private and take each game as it comes. Clearly, they want him at Lord’s for the swing, but can you really afford to sit him out here?”
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India have added Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to strengthen their batting, but Bumrah’s absence looms large, especially on a surface expected to offer bounce and carry—conditions tailor-made for his skillset.
