BCCI Sends Blunt Message: Bumrah’s Presence Is Non-Negotiable for 4th Test
With India trailing 1–2 in the five-match Test series against England, Old Trafford’s 4th Test (July 23–27, 2025) has become pivotal. In a strong show of intent, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent an unmistakable message: Jasprit Bumrah must feature—if not, it sends a message that India isn’t fighting for the series.
Deep Dasgupta’s Interpretation: “Absolutely Yes”
Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta echoed the BCCI’s intent on Star Sports, saying:
“Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes… I’ve heard rumours that the plan for him was to play first, third and fifth Tests. But now, when India are 1–2 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial. You would definitely want the world’s best bowler to play.”
He noted the 8-day break after Lord’s as ample time for Bumrah to recover and return stronger. Dasgupta underlined: dropping him would turn Manchester into a “dead rubber”.
Why BCCI Feels the Pressure
1. Series Margin for Error
Loss at Old Trafford would mean a 3–1 deficit—with just one Test remaining, the series would be effectively lost.
2. Bumrah’s Winning Impact
Since debuting in 2018, Bumrah has established himself as India’s lynchpin: 217 Test wickets at 19.48 average, including 15 five-wicket hauls. England’s seam-friendly pitch demands his skill and control.
3. Fitness & Workload Strategy
The initial design had Bumrah playing Tests 1, 3, and 5—a workload safeguard due to recent back concerns. But this careful planning is being overridden by series urgency.
The Balancing Act: Rest vs. Results
Bumrah sat out the 2nd Test to rest from Lord’s grind, but his early spells in Tests 1 and 3 were devastating—four five-wicket hauls, including at Headingley . That sort of game-changing performance can’t be sidelined as India fight to level the series.
Opinions Across the Cricketing Spectrum
- Deep Dasgupta (via BCCI intent): insists Bumrah is crucial in Manchester.
- Anil Kumble, a former India coach, agrees—echoing the board’s urgency and calling for the premier pacer’s presence .
This rare, high-profile alignment underscores how critical the BCCI views Bumrah’s availability for the pivotal Test.
What the Message Signals
- India’s push for revival: This is non-negotiable.
- Player-first intent: The board trusts Bumrah’s fitness despite earlier workload caution.
- Test status symbolism: Sending Bumrah is proof BCCI is fully committed to a series comeback.
Outlook for Old Trafford
- Pitch conditions: Likely seam-friendly—ideal for Bumrah.
- Bowling support: Siraj and Arshdeep will share the workload—but India need Bumrah’s strike power in longer sessions.
- Momentum shift: A strong bowling attack led by Bumrah could psychologically reassert India’s intent.
The BCCI isn’t just requesting—it’s firmly insisting: Bumrah must play at Old Trafford. With the series hanging by a thread, India is sending a message—to both players and fans—that this is a fight they intend to engage in fully.
Expect a fully fit Bumrah to lead India’s attack in the 4th Test—and with him on board, India’s hopes of leveling the series feel far more tangible.
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