Blow for India: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of fifth Test against England

Dubai: India have chosen long-term gain over short-term glory. Jasprit Bumrah, their pace linchpin and one of the standout performers of the series, has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, with the team management opting to rest him to preserve his back and overall fitness.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI medical team advised against risking Bumrah in the high-stakes series decider in London, with a view to safeguarding the pacer’s long-term workload following his recent return from back surgery. The decision was made in consultation with Bumrah himself, the team management, and selectors.

While the timing of the call comes as a setback with the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, it isn’t entirely unexpected. Bumrah was originally pencilled in to play only three of the five Tests in the series. He featured in the opener at Headingley, was rested for the second Test in Edgbaston, and returned for back-to-back games at Lord’s and Old Trafford, where he bowled 33 overs on a dry flat surface.

The 30-year-old Bumrah, currently joint second on the wicket-takers’ list with 14 dismissals at an average of 26, was key to India’s fightback in the series. However, his workload has been carefully managed since his comeback from surgery, and the team has decided not to alter the original plan despite the stakes.

Notably, he did not bowl after the fourth morning at Old Trafford, a match that ended in a tense draw to keep India alive in the series. Just two days ago, head coach Gautam Gambhir had suggested Bumrah was available for selection, but the latest decision reflects a clear emphasis on preserving India’s frontline quick for future assignments.

Bumrah’s absence is likely to pave the way for the return of Akash Deep, who missed the fourth Test due to a groin niggle. The Bengal pacer was back in action during Tuesday’s optional training session, where he found good rhythm and movement on the greenish Oval practice wickets.

Akash Deep made a sensational Test debut at Edgbaston earlier this month, claiming a ten-wicket haul that included figures of 6 for 99 in England’s second innings. His ability to generate movement from flat tracks will be valuable in London, particularly with early swing often on offer at The Oval.

India may also consider bringing in spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the final Test. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the decision would rest with captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gambhir, with a final call expected on match eve.

“Kuldeep is an outstanding individual. He works really hard on his bowling, batting, and fielding,” Kotak told reporters. “But selection will be decided by the captain and coach, and it’s not my place to declare anything at this stage.”

Kuldeep, who hasn’t featured in the series so far, has a strong Test record — 56 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. However, his only previous Test appearance in England came in 2018, when he went wicketless.

With India trailing 1-2 but carrying momentum from the drawn fourth Test, the series finale promises to be a gripping contest. But without Bumrah, India’s path to levelling the series and salvaging a share of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy just got significantly steeper.