Jasprit Bumrah will sit out the fifth Test at The Oval due to back concerns, with Akash Deep set to replace him. The move reflects India’s focus on safeguarding Bumrah’s long-term fitness.
Jasprit Bumrah Rested for Oval Test to Manage Workload
Despite India trailing 1-2 and the chance to level the series in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, the BCCI medical team has reportedly decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the World No.1-ranked bowler will sit out the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to safeguard his long-term fitness, particularly his back. A fit-again Akash Deep is expected to replace him in the playing XI.
Ahead of the series, both head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jasprit Bumrah had indicated that the pacer would feature in only three of the five Tests due to workload concerns. The last time Bumrah pushed his limits in Australia, he aggravated a back injury—raising fears about the longevity of his career.
Despite speculation that Bumrah might make one final push at The Oval, the Indian team has opted against taking that risk. Factors like a short three-day turnaround, a likely flat Oval pitch, and his intense workload across the series contributed to the decision. Notably, Bumrah hasn’t bowled since the morning of Day 4 in the Manchester Test.
Interestingly, just two days ago, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hadn’t ruled out Bumrah’s inclusion. “Bumrah is fit now, according to his load. He has bowled one inning in the last match. So obviously the head coach, our physio and captain will have a discussion and decide. There has been no discussion,” Kotak had said.
At Old Trafford, Gambhir had also confirmed that all pacers were fit, suggesting that both Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep had recovered from their respective injuries. Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s leading wicket-taker in the series, having bowled 33 overs in Manchester—his most in a single innings—after already putting in major shifts at Leeds and Lord’s.
Who will replace Bumrah? What about Siraj?
Despite the series on the line, India will be without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, with the BCCI medical team choosing to rest him to protect his long-term fitness. In his place, Akash Deep, who missed the fourth Test due to a groin injury, is set to return to the XI after regaining full fitness. Akash Deep was India’s standout performer at Edgbaston, where he claimed 10 wickets and played a crucial role in their win.
Joining him in the pace attack will be Arshdeep Singh, who is all set to receive his maiden Test cap. He replaces Anshul Kamboj in the squad. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj is expected to continue his impressive run, featuring in his fifth consecutive Test of the series.
The new-look pace unit—Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Siraj—will carry the responsibility in Bumrah’s absence as India aims to square the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.
