'The team management might... ' - R Ashwin weighs on Jasprit Bumrah's availability ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test
R Ashwin backed Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to prioritize fitness over playing the 5th Test, calling it wise for India's long-term plans.
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Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Jasprit Bumrah prioritizing his fitness over playing the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is a smart and long-term decision. Bumrah, who has already featured in three of the four Tests in the ongoing five-match series, was expected to play only a limited role due to workload management. With the final Test being a must-win for India to draw the series 2-2, his availability has been a major topic of discussion.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said, "I am pleasantly surprised because if this were the Indian team of the past, they would have persuaded Bumrah to play the final Test. Even now, the team management might have looked at it, but from Bumrah's perspective, this is a sound decision. He had already decided that he was going to play only three Tests, and he stuck to that." Bumrah has taken 14 wickets in five innings so far, the joint-most for India along with Mohammed Siraj.
Ashwin also acknowledged the injury concerns surrounding Bumrah, especially after he rolled his ankle during the fourth Test. “His back issue is not a normal one. It has kept him out of the game for almost two years. He is a valuable asset to the Indian team. So, the decision is the right one, and I am pleasantly surprised. I am very happy that Bumrah is prioritizing his body because in the long run, he will be very useful,” Ashwin added.
Kuldeep Yadav's Role at The Oval
Ashwin also weighed in on Kuldeep Yadav’s possible inclusion in the fifth Test, cautioning against unrealistic expectations. “There is no need to add pressure on Kuldeep’s shoulder. People should understand that Kuldeep is going to play the role of the fourth seamer. He is not going to be your strike bowler. In these conditions, the fast bowlers will be your strike bowlers.”
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He further explained Kuldeep’s potential utility in the second innings: “He can come in as an enforcer as well if there is a partnership. But in the second innings, if you have runs on the board, Kuldeep will be a different beast.” Kuldeep has not played a single Test in this series and has just one Test appearance in England back in 2018, where he went wicketless in nine overs.
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