Ex-Cricketer On Why Bumrah Must Play Manchester Test

July 17, 2025 - The fourth Test between India and England will be played in Manchester. It is still not confirmed whether fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will play in this Test or not. Before the series began, it was decided that Bumrah would play only three Test matches to manage his workload. He has already played in the first and third Tests. In this situation, the question now is — will he play in the fourth Test or not?

Bumrah Should Play Fourth Test

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes that Bumrah should play the fourth Test match against England. Bumrah has been one of India's best bowlers in the series so far. He has played two out of the three Tests and taken five wickets in each match. In total, he has taken 12 wickets in 4 innings at an average of 21.

Played Only Two Tests

Before the series began, Gautam Gambhir said Bumrah would play only three out of five Tests owing to workload management. After India’s loss at Headingley, Gambhir repeated the same point. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has not given a clear answer about Bumrah’s availability for the Manchester Test.

While speaking to Star Sports, Dasgupta said, “Jasprit Bumrah should play the fourth Test. I have heard that there was a plan to play him in the first, third, and fifth Tests. But now, since India is behind in the series, the fourth Test becomes very important. You definitely want the best bowler in the world to play.”

Eight Days of Rest Enough

The Lord’s Test ended on July 14, and the fourth Test in Manchester will start on July 23. Dasgupta believes this eight-day gap is enough for Bumrah to rest and recover.

He added, “There is a gap of eight days between the two Tests. We’ll have to see if the fifth Test will still matter after the fourth one, but right now, the fourth Test is very important.”

Many former players, including Anil Kumble, have also advised Bumrah to play the next two matches and take rest later.