Jasprit Bumrah to retire from Tests? Ravichandran Ashwin reveals shocking desire for veteran pacer

The premier pacer of the Indian cricket team, Jasprit Bumrah, has spent most of the year battling scrutiny over his workload, especially after featuring in only three Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in the United Kingdom (UK). He has appeared in the Asia Cup 2025, two Tests in the West Indies series, five T20Is against Australia, and the full two-Test series against South Africa.

The current management has been cautious with the Ahmedabad-born even since he pulled out of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in January due to a back spasm. The Indian off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has offered a bold view on the Gujarat fast bowler’s health.

See Also: Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) WPL 2026 full schedule, venues, timings announced

“If I were anywhere near him, I would tell him to stick to white-ball cricket. Unless India desperately needs him, don’t step into the Test side. But I know him well. He loves the format and wants to keep playing despite the challenge.” Ashwin expressed in a YouTube video.

Ravichandran Ashwin warns Jasprit Bumrah to get pulled out of Tests

Bumrah has overall collected 234 wickets in 99 Test innings at an average of under 20 and a strike rate of 42.80 with the help of 16 five-wicket hauls at the best figure of 6/27 in an innings. In 88 innings, the right-arm pacer has bagged 149 wickets in ODIs at an average of 23.55, with two five-wicket hauls.

“For India’s sake and Bumrah’s sake, I’d rather he focus on T20 cricket. Don't waste energy on meaningless ODIs. Play only the Tests that matter, especially the away ones. And we should be developing a group of fast bowlers for home conditions anyway.” Ashwin addressed in the YouTube interaction.

“I’d pull him out of all the home and Asian Tests. Use him only in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and England. Keep him fresh for those, and let him focus on the white-ball formats where World Cups are on the line.” The former Indian off-spinner highlighted. India’s next Test series will be in Sri Lanka in August 2026.