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IIE DIGITAL DESK : India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has firmly stated that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play in just three of the scheduled five Tests during the ongoing series in England — a decision made before the series began, and one that remains unchanged following India’s narrow five-wicket loss to England at Headingley .

Speaking after the landmark chase in Leeds, Gambhir explained the rationale behind the strategy: “For us to manage Bumrah’s workload is more important because there’s a lot of cricket going forward and we know what he brings to the table as well,” he asserted .Despite the emotionally charged defeat, the coach insisted that his plan to rest Bumrah in two of the remaining Tests remains intact — demonstrating India's commitment to player health and long-term success .

Bumrah, who recently returned from a back injury and declined the Test captaincy, led India’s bowling attack valiantly in the first innings at Headingley, finishing with a strong 5‑83. However, his influence waned in the second innings, as he went wicketless and England mounted their historic chase.

Gambhir’s management plan anticipates Bumrah playing three Tests—but the specific matches haven’t been decided. “Before he came on this tour, it was already decided that he’s going to play three Test matches, but let’s see how his body turns up. We haven’t decided which two other Test matches he’s going to play,” Gambhir confirmed . This leaves a strategic question mark over the line-ups for the Edgbaston Test starting July 2, and the penultimate fixtures.

In Bumrah's absence, India will rely on bowlers such as Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur. Gambhir emphasized these players are being nurtured for future tours, not judged on a single series performance. "This bowling attack has one bowler with five Tests under his belt, one has four, one has played two and one hasn't yet debuted. We will have to give them time," he said, acknowledging that experience matters in long-format cricket . The coach noted Pakistan-born seamers like Krishna are enhancing their bounce and accuracy, while Thakur earned his wickets through persistent effort .

After a close escape at Headingley where England successfully chased 371, Gambhir said India’s injury and workload plan has not wavered. “India not altering plans to rest Bumrah despite loss to England in 1st Test,” confirms DD News.

Gambhir’s cautious, forward-looking approach reflects India's larger Test agenda: balancing immediate series ambitions with sustainable squad development. With Bumrah fit and battle-ready, the team aims to manage his workload smartly, keeping him fresh throughout the demanding ICC World Test Championship cycle.

This series now hinges not just on performances, but also on squad management and endurance. India’s decision to prioritize Bumrah’s fitness sends a strong signal about their intentions: to build a resilient bowling unit while preserving their key weapon for future challenges.