As India prepare for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, scheduled to begin on 31 July, one question remains on everyone’s mind: will Jasprit Bumrah play?
After a gritty draw in the fourth Test, where India batted through five full sessions to keep the series alive, the stage is set for a potential series-leveller.
England currently lead the five-match contest 2-1, and the decider promises to be a battle of nerves. But with all that on the line, India head coach Gautam Gambhir is playing his cards close to his chest.
Fit and Ready – But Will Bumrah Feature?
Speaking after the fourth Test, Gambhir confirmed that all the fast bowlers in the squad, including Bumrah, are fit. That should have eased the nerves of Indian fans. But what followed only added fuel to the fire.
Asked about whether Bumrah will be part of the playing XI, Gambhir gave a diplomatic response.
“We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test. No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not,” he said.
The reasoning is understandable. Bumrah has already bowled his heart out this series, playing three of the four Tests and picking up 14 wickets at an average of 26.00. With his heavy workload across all formats, the management is likely treading carefully.
Gambhir’s No-Nonsense Take on the Series
Known for his straight-talking approach, Gambhir didn’t sugarcoat India’s position in the series either. Despite the fighting draw, the coach was quick to underline the reality.
“You are asking someone who only believes in results. We are still 2-1 down in the series.”
It was a blunt reminder that moral victories only go so far. However, he did acknowledge the resilience shown by the team, especially the batting unit.
“Batting for five sessions after being put under pressure shows great character. Going into The Oval, we’ll take a lot of confidence.”
No Clear Combination Yet
Another key takeaway from Gambhir’s press conference was the admission that no final decision has been made regarding the playing XI. That means everything, from the bowling attack to the balance of the side, is still up in the air.
Given the stakes and the conditions at The Oval, India might look to go in with a strong pace battery. But managing Bumrah’s workload will be a tough call.
Is it worth risking your best bowler when the series is on the line? Or is it smarter to play safe, with one eye on future tours?
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