India's pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was released from the Test squad last week. As it was decided beforehand, Bumrah's absence from playing XI for fifth Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 was linked to workload management. Bumrah, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir had said before the series that Bumrah will play only three Tests on the tour to manage his workload. However, a new report suggests that Bumrah suffered a knee injury.
“Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it’s not a major one and won’t require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports,” a BCCI official told Mumbai Mirror.
In addition, Bumrah is doubtful for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025 as well which is scheduled to start on September 9. Defending champions India will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10.
Earlier this year, Bumrah suffered a back injury which ruled him out of the second innings of Sydney Test. After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which India won in UAE. He missed a few Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 games before playing a vital role in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) journey to the playoffs.
Who will India face in their next Test series?
Bumrah’s services will be needed again as India West Indies in a two-Test series at home. The Test series will begin on October 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. After the Test series against West Indies, India will tour Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is. The Australia tour will start on October 19 and end on November 8. It will be followed by South Africa's tour of India featuring two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.
How many overs Bumrah bowled in IND vs ENG Test series?
From three Tests, Bumrah took 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls. He bowled a total of 119.4 overs.
Morkel says Siraj enjoys responsibility in Bumrah’s absence
India bowling coach Morne Morkel acknowledged that Bumrah’s absence is a big blow but credited Mohammed Siraj for stepping up.
“When Booms (Bumrah) is not there you need to set the tone as a new ball bowler or the first change bowler or a guy who's played, you know, more than 30, 40 Tests, so I think he just enjoys that opportunity when it's given to him and he said it yesterday, I think in an interview, he just loves playing for India and putting the shirt on and performing,” Morkel said.
Irrespective of the result of the fifth Test, Siraj will finish as the highest wicket-taker of the series. He is the only Indian pacer to play down workload buzz and play all five Tests on the tour.