India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is facing a possible rest from the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 as the team management prioritizes workload management and his fitness for a busy Test schedule. Reports suggest the BCCI granted Bumrah permission to leave the Test squad during their recent tour of England to prevent potential injury risks. Bumrah played a pivotal role in the England series, bowling nearly 120 overs across the first three Tests and taking 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. However, signs of fatigue were evident in the third Test, where he conceded over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in his career, raising concerns about his endurance. Before the series, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had already indicated that Bumrah wouldn’t play all five Tests, aiming to keep him fresh for future challenges. With the Asia Cup starting on September 9th and a crucial Test series against West Indies following shortly after, Bumrah’s participation in the T20 tournament is uncertain. India’s opening match against the UAE is on September 10th, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan on September 14th. A BCCI source, speaking to PTI, acknowledged the dilemma: ‘It’s a tricky decision, but Bumrah loves Test cricket and there are World Test Championship points at stake. As far as T20Is go, he can return for the New Zealand series in January, which will act as a buildup to the T20 World Cup.’ Selectors are reportedly considering a strategy where Bumrah focuses primarily on Test matches in the near future, skipping most white-ball games, including ODIs, leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. His return to T20 cricket is likely to be during India’s home series against New Zealand in January, serving as a preparatory phase for the World Cup. This cautious approach may also affect his availability for India’s Test series in South Africa later this year, depending on his fitness progress and the team’s workload management plan. The final decision rests with Agarkar and Gambhir, who are balancing the importance of Bumrah’s long-term fitness against the immediate needs of the Asia Cup. While his absence would be a blow to India’s T20 campaign, the team remains strong and capable of performing well in the tournament. For Bumrah, the priority appears to be staying fit for the crucial Tests ahead.
