Renowned TV commentator and analyst Aakash Chopra questioned why Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the ongoing England Test tour was so widely circulated following India's defeat in the Headingly Test.  As a matter of fact, Bumrah will only be available for selection for the first three Tests of the tour and will be in action next for the Edgbaston and Lord's Tests. This was done to prevent the speedster from picking up any fresh injuries along the way.

But speaking from a tactical standpoint, Chopra was left visibly unimpressed. He argued that Bumrah could have played in any of the three Tests as per his choice. As per his opinion, this detail did not have to go public, and further pointed out that giving away such cues to the opposition can go on to prove very costly. It was during the team's pre-departure press conference that the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, confirmed the news on Bumrah's availability for the first three Tests. 

See also: IND vs ENG 1st Test: Shubman Gill, Gambhir given surprising advice on Jasprit Bumrah exclusion

Chopra questions why Bumrah's availability had to be revealed in the first place

In a video posted on his YouTube Channel, Chopra debated whether it was indeed the right move from Gambhir to reveal Bumrah's partial availability for the series and wondered whether he would have been better off by not revealing it in the first place. He further stated that India does not announce their team prematurely, unlike England. He felt that issuing such statements publicly would eradicate the element of surprise and allow England to be prepared accordingly. 

"Bumrah said he will play three matches only, and I am thinking whether it was required to publicize it. Why was it not kept a secret? We don't announce our team as well. So why was it necessary to reiterate it repeatedly before the start of the tour that he would play three matches only? Let them guess. You play whichever Tests you wish."

Bumrah emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India in the first innings, finishing with outstanding figures of 5-83. However, he turned out to be quite the opposite in the second innings and finished wicketless. A lack of spark in Bumrah's bowling seemed evident during the second innings, and England were able to capitalize and cruise to victory on the final day of the Test match.