Ravi Shastri has shared his concerns as India National Cricket Team head coach, Gautam Gambhir stands firm on their decision to play Jasprit Bumrah in only three Tests during the England tour despite facing a crushing defeat in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy opener at Headingley.
With India already trailing 0-1 in the ongoing five-match Test series after the defeat in the first Test at Headingley, their strategy for Jasprit Bumrah is raising serious questions. Bumrah was the lone warrior with the ball, taking a fiery five-wicket haul even as the rest of the attack looked flat and ineffective at Headingley. However, he went wicketless in the second innings.
Despite the premier pacer’s impact and dire need, India’s plan to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload remains unchanged. Gambhir has rejected all suggestions to extend their biggest weapon's availability to all five matches, saying they will stick to the original decision set due to the pacer's previous back injury concerns.
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Considering Gambhir’s statement, Jasprit Bumrah is highly likely to be rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, and the former Indian head coach believes that this could be a risky move that might cost India another Test against England. Shastri warned that resting their best bowler, Bumrah, while trailing in the Test series could hand England a 2-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah’s history of back issues has forced the Indian team management to take a cautious route, especially after he missed a number of ICC tournaments in the past. But after a five-wicket loss in the first Test, even Sunil Gavaskar wants Bumrah to play all five Tests in England.
It could be 2-0 down if India rests Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri was quoted as saying by Sky Sports Cricket, “Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right?
And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play.”
The former Indian captain said that the second Test at Edgbaston is a must-win game for Shubman Gill and his team if they want to stay alive in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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Ravi Shastri urges Gautam Gambhir not to make a selection blunder
Shastri noted that “it will be a tough pill to swallow,” especially after a 3-0 loss against New Zealand at home, and then they also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, making the ongoing Test series in England “tough” for Gautam Gambhir.
The broadcaster also pointed out that India had a golden chance at Headingley, but they still let the game slip. Now, the Indian team must respond strongly and show real character to regain momentum and level the five-match Test series against England.
Shastri signed off by saying, “You had your opportunity to go one up here, you know, with England having problems with their bowling attack and the injuries that they have. And you've blown it. And now it's catch-up time. You're going to go and show some real character. And the knockout punch has to come in the very next Test match. If that doesn't happen, then you're really looking down. So whenever there's a counterpunch, you're down. That has to happen quite immediately. So they have to realize that.”
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