'These are the numbers that I look at because...': Dinesh Karthik predicts three Tests Jasprit Bumrah will play in England series

Bumrah is not expected to feature in all five Tests, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir confirming his participation will be managed as part of a workload strategy.

“I have a feeling from hearing whatever I heard that he has been planned to play three Test matches. But I have a feeling he will play one, two, and four. These are the numbers that I look at because these are the Tests enough and more breaks,” said Karthik as quoted by ANI.

 

 

Karthik also reckons that there are chances that the fifth Test of the series will become a bit of a request to him for his participation. 

ALSO READ: 'Captaincy meant a lot, I had worked very hard for it, but...': Jasprit Bumrah's massive revelation on not leading India in Tests
 

“When you go to the fourth Test, if you are 2-1 behind or 1-2 ahead, whatever it could be, I wouldn’t be surprised if the fifth Test becomes a bit of a request to him, saying, ‘please, can you think about it’” added Karthik. 

Bumrah's last Test appearance came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where he captained the side in two clashes. He ended the five-Test series as the highest wicket-taker with 32 scalps. He got injured in the fifth Test and missed ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury. 

ALSO READ: 'It's a short-stride pattern, so he never gets over...': Pace legend decodes Jasprit Bumrah's unplayable bowling ahead of England Tests
 

The upcoming five-Test match series between India and England will be the first assignment for Shubman Gill as a captain. Team India will be featuring without veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they have announced Test retirement in May before the series.