ENG vs IND 2025: Should India push Jasprit Bumrah to play 5th Test vs England?

Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah appeared visibly fatigued during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. It was his third match of the series, the maximum he had initially committed to before the tour began. Following India’s gritty draw in the match, attention has now shifted to whether Bumrah will be fit enough to feature in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. His presence would undoubtedly strengthen India’s chances of levelling the series, but concerns over his workload and history of back injuries make the decision a delicate one.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra weighed in on the situation, suggesting Bumrah’s inclusion should be evaluated based on workload rather than just match count. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted that although Bumrah only bowled in one innings during the fourth Test, he delivered 33 taxing overs and conceded over 100 runs, something that had never happened in his Test career before. The decision, he said, must balance risk with need.

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“We had spoken about workload management for Jasprit. Of course, it's a very quick turnaround, but India have bowled only once. We didn't bowl on the first and last days. We bowled on Day 2 and Day 3, and a little bit on Day 4,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Workload management is not about how many matches you play: Aakash Chopra

Before the series began, the Indian team management had clearly stated that Jasprit Bumrah would feature in only three of the five Tests to manage his workload effectively. His breakdown influenced this cautious approach during the final day of the Sydney Test in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah’s recurring back injury has already caused him to miss major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and a home series against England. To safeguard his long-term fitness and prevent further setbacks, the team must handle the premier fast bowler’s workload with strategic care.

“Workload management is not about how many matches you play. It should be about the number of overs you bowl. Should Bumrah be playing with the series on the line?” Chopra commented amidst prevalent workload talks of Bumrah.