June 27, 2025 - Despite the defeat in Leeds, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that the team management will not change its strategy regarding Jasprit Bumrah. Under workload management, Bumrah will be rested for the second Test. This means he will play in the third and fifth matches.

Although managing the workload of bowlers has become an important part of modern cricket, the big question is — how right is the decision to rest Bumrah? The pitch at Edgbaston has always helped fast bowlers, where the ball swings and seams a lot.

India’s Record at Edgbaston 

India is already worried about its record at Edgbaston, as the team has never won a match on this ground. In such a situation, resting Bumrah, the most experienced and match-winning fast bowler, looks like a risky move.

In the Leeds Test, India scored five centuries across both innings but still lost the match. This clearly shows how much the team depends on Bumrah when it comes to bowling. He is not just any fast bowler - he is India’s main strike bowler. Whether it is with the new ball or the old one, he has proved to be effective in all conditions. When the team needs a breakthrough, it looks to him.

When the opposition knows Bumrah is not playing, their batsmen feel more confident and play freely. India is already 0-1 behind in the series. If they lose the second match, making a comeback will become very difficult. In such a situation, is it wise to rest India’s best bowler just to use him in the third and fifth Tests? The series might slip away even before that.

Who Can Replace Bumrah?

Resting a player like Bumrah in such an important match should not be just a management decision. It should be based on what the match demands. If not, this decision might hurt India badly.

If Bumrah does not play, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are the likely options. Arshdeep has done well in white-ball cricket but has not yet played Tests. Akash Deep impressed everyone during the Australia tour. Now, it remains to be seen whom Gambhir chooses for the Edgbaston Test.