Ashwin Backs Bumrah’s Decision to Skip The Oval Test. Ravichandran Ashwin has supported Jasprit Bumrah’s call to sit out the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, calling it the right move.
India made four changes to their playing XI for the Oval Test. With Rishabh Pant unavailable due to injury, Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj were also left out, making way for Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Karun Nair.
Before the England tour began, the Indian selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir had announced that Bumrah would feature in only three of the five matches to manage his workload. The veteran fast bowler played in the first, third, and fourth Tests of the series.
Ravichandran Ashwin Applauds Bumrah for Prioritising Fitness, Supports Decision to Leave Out Kuldeep for Oval Test
Speaking on his YouTube channel, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his support for Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to skip the fifth Test of the series, praising the pacer for prioritising his long-term fitness.
“I’m pleasantly surprised. In the past, the Indian team might have pushed Bumrah to play the final Test,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked. “Even now, the management may have considered it, but from Bumrah’s point of view, it’s a wise call. He had committed to playing only three Tests and stuck to it.”
Highlighting Bumrah’s injury struggles, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “His back issue is serious—it kept him out for nearly two years. He’s an invaluable asset to Indian cricket, and I’m glad he’s putting his body first. It’s the right move for his longevity.”
Ashwin also supported the team’s decision to not include Kuldeep Yadav for the final Test at The Oval. He pointed out that seamers would be more effective in English conditions.
“There’s no need to burden Kuldeep unnecessarily. He would’ve essentially been the fourth seamer, not a strike option. In these conditions, your main weapons are the fast bowlers,” Ravichandran Ashwin explained.
Bumrah, who has taken 14 wickets in three Tests at an average of 26.0, has been one of India’s standout performers in the series. India trail England 1-2 and must win the final Test to draw the series.
