Former India pacer and selector Salil Ankola has weighed in strongly on the selection of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, starting July 23. Ankola said that while Bumrah is undoubtedly a match-winner, if he isn’t fully fit, there is no point in carrying him with the squad. The 31-year-old speedster had featured in the first and third Tests of the series but missed the second match at Edgbaston.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Ankola said, “If Bumrah is touring England as a team member, he definitely has to play the fourth Test; he has to play all the matches. Bumrah is definitely a match-winning bowler, but it’s not like we don’t have other bowlers. If he is unfit, don’t take him with the team. Let him be fully fit. You [team management] are also unsure, and Bumrah is also unsure [whether to play or not]. So, who takes that call? It’s not the coach, it’s not the selectors, but it’s the physio and doctor."

Ankola further added that such confusion reflected a lack of clarity and accountability. “That means someone somewhere is not taking responsibility for doing their job right. I’m not criticizing anybody; this is my opinion as a layman because I’m not in the selection committee," he added.

Kuldeep Yadav Deserves a Spot, Says Ankola

While Bumrah has bagged 12 wickets in the two Tests he has played, including twin five-wicket hauls, India’s bowling resources have stepped up in his absence. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were instrumental in India's win at Edgbaston. However, Ankola questioned the continued exclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. “Why are you taking wrist-spinner Kuldeep to England? He is a match-winning bowler. He worked hard, he got himself stronger and fitter, and he is bowling very well. You have to play Kuldeep,” he stated.

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Ankola also expressed concern over India relying too heavily on lower-order all-rounders. “For how many more years are you going to cushion your batters? You need to take 20 wickets, so matches are won by bowlers, not batters,” he said. The inclusion of Washington Sundar has brought balance, with the all-rounder delivering both with the ball—picking four wickets at Lord’s—and contributing with the bat after India's collapses at Headingley.