Greg Chappell highlighted that India have managed to win several matches recently even without the presence of Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has been in outstanding form during the ongoing Test series between India and England. The right-arm pacer has taken five-wicket hauls in both of the matches he has played so far, showcasing his impact with the ball.
With 12 wickets in just two Tests, Bumrah is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the five-match series. However, despite his brilliant performances, India ended up losing both games. His availability for the fourth Test remains uncertain.
Before the series began, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that Bumrah would feature in only three of the five Tests on the England tour, as part of workload management. He was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston and is now expected to play just one of the remaining two matches.
Greg Chappell: It’s likely that India may rest Bumrah for the fourth Test to ensure he’s fit and ready for the final game. However, considering the importance of the next match, the team management might opt to play him in the upcoming Test as well.
Greg Chappell Urges India to Look Beyond Jasprit Bumrah
Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, in a column, has urged the Indian team to move away from its heavy reliance on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Instead, he emphasized the importance of collective performance over individual brilliance.
“A word on Bumrah: the obsession with whether he plays or not misses the bigger picture. India have recently won several Tests without him. Success lies in the team functioning as a unit, not just in one player’s brilliance,” Greg Chappell wrote.
He further added, “Teams win when every player fulfills their role. The captain must ensure each individual is clear about their job, confident in their ability, and committed to the game plan. That’s the winning formula.”
Greg Chappell Currently, India trail 1-2 in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. A win in the fourth Test is crucial for them to stay in contention for the series. The match is set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester—where India have never won a Test.
In a setback for England, spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a finger injury. As a replacement, spinner Liam Dawson has been added to the squad.
