It’s been a couple of weeks since Mohammed Siraj sealed India’s dramatic six-wicket win in the fifth Test by knocking over Gus Atkinson’s stumps. The victory drew the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy level after a hard-fought five-match series against England.
But while Siraj’s five-wicket haul rightly grabbed headlines, Prasidh Krishna also played a key role with a crucial four-for in the second innings. Both pacers rose to the occasion in the absence of India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah’s limited participation in the series—having played only three of the five Tests—has sparked intense debate within the cricketing community. Before the series began, the 31-year-old fast bowler had made it clear that he would only be available for three matches.
Coming off an injury, the decision was part of a carefully managed plan to ensure his longevity. However, some experts have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting India might have clinched the series had Bumrah featured in all five games. Others used the opportunity to underline the value of commitment to national duty.
Among those who offered a measured perspective was Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Speaking on a recent podcast, the veteran from Meerut defended Bumrah’s decision, highlighting the realities of playing across all formats in modern cricket.
“If the selectors know what he can offer and are okay with it, it’s because they know he can still make a big impact in those three games,” said Bhuvneshwar. “People don’t always understand how tough it is to keep playing for so many years across formats. If you want a player to have a long career, you have to manage them somehow.”
Bumrah’s impact, even in just three appearances, was undeniable. He delivered two five-wicket hauls and consistently rattled England with pace, precision, and bounce. His distinctive bowling action—featuring a release point seven centimetres ahead of most bowlers—gives him a unique edge, making the ball hurry on to the batter and inducing mistakes. This, combined with his calm under pressure and relentless accuracy, makes him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.
In just 48 Tests, Bumrah has claimed 219 wickets at an economy rate under three, along with 15 five-wicket hauls—numbers that speak volumes about his skill and consistency. Bhuvneshwar acknowledged this rare quality and pointed out how Bumrah’s confidence and composure have only grown with experience.
“When he first came in, everyone could see there was something special,” he said. “Once you are established, you don’t panic if things go wrong. That maturity comes with age.”
