India’s Bumrah dilemma: Risk the warrior or play it safe?

Dubai: As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy approaches a pulsating climax at The Oval, India face a dilemma that could decide the fate of the series: should Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, play the fifth and final Test?

The five-match series has taken a visible toll on both sides, especially the pace batteries. While England’s Ben Stokes is pushing his body to the edge in a heroic all-round display, India must now decide whether to unleash their ace one final time — despite his planned three-Test limit following a long road back from back surgery.

Bumrah has been nothing short of exceptional in this series. With 14 wickets in three Tests at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls, he remains India’s most potent weapon. But the 31-year-old has now played two back-to-back Tests, a significant physical strain considering his recent injury history. This raises the question: is it worth risking his long-term fitness for the short-term glory of a series-levelling win?

Head coach Gautam Gambhir remained non-committal when asked if Bumrah would play at The Oval. “There has been no discussion about anyone and no decision has been made whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the last Test match or not,” he said. “Ultimately, whoever plays, whether they play or not, they will try and do the job for the country.”

Gambhir added that all fast bowlers were currently fit and emphasised the importance of achieving a 2-2 result. “We’re still 2-1 down in the series. Yes, there is inexperience, but this is still the best Indian team right now. Hopefully, we can try and make it 2-2. It would be a great achievement.”

There is no doubt about Bumrah’s hunger. His body language on the field speaks of intent, passion, and a near-militant desire to deliver for India. If he is cleared to play, expect him to throw everything into the Oval Test — pain or no pain.

But India must weigh the cost. Another injury could sideline Bumrah for months, especially with the World Test Championship and crucial overseas assignments looming. Unlike England, India do not rotate their bowlers as aggressively. Bumrah is not just another name on the team sheet — he is their spearhead, their plan A, B, and sometimes C.

Contrast this with Ben Stokes. The England skipper, who starred in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford with a century and five wickets, is nursing a flare-up in his bicep tendon and persistent soreness from bowling a career-high 140 overs this series. Yet he insists he will be ready for the finale.

“I’ll always try to run through a brick wall for the team,” said Stokes, summing up his warrior mentality. “I don’t want to eat my words but the likelihood I won’t play is very unlikely… Pain is just an emotion.”

Stokes is England’s leading wicket-taker this series with 17 wickets at 25.2. His all-round contributions have been vital in giving England the upper hand, and his commitment has inspired the dressing room. But it’s a risky game he plays — one that could see him break down mid-match.

Both teams face difficult calls. For England, it’s about managing Stokes while keeping the energy high. For India, it’s about balancing ambition with caution. The Oval offers India a chance to salvage a famous draw, share the honours, and walk away with their heads held high.

But to do that, they may need their warrior. And Bumrah will have to decide: does he go by the plan, or follow Stokes’ mantra — that pain is just an emotion?