Jasprit Bumrah’s reduced pace and physical challenges during the Manchester Test have raised fears about his Test cricket future. Despite his unwavering passion, his body’s limitations may force tough decisions for India’s pace spearhead.
New Delhi | 26 July, 2025: At 31, Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, but his performance in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on July 25, 2025, has sparked concern about his longevity in Test cricket. The Indian pace star, known for his lethal yorkers and unorthodox action, struggled with reduced speeds, hovering between 130-135 kmph, a noticeable drop from his fiery 140 kmph spells in earlier matches at Leeds and Lord’s. His single wicket in England’s first innings, dismissing Jamie Smith, lacked his usual zip, and an ankle issue during the second session added to worries about his physical condition.
Bumrah’s challenges come after a back spasm sidelined him for over three months following India’s tour of Australia in January 2025. To manage his workload, the BCCI planned for him to play only three of the five Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a decision aimed at preserving his fitness for a grueling cricket calendar. However, his labored performance in Manchester, where he bowled gingerly and relied on sheer determination, has led former India batter Mohammad Kaif to speculate that Bumrah may be nearing the end of his Test career. The absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin already looms large, and losing Bumrah would be a significant blow to India’s Test ambitions.
Despite his physical struggles, Bumrah’s commitment remains unquestionable. His return after the tea break in Manchester showed his resolve, even as his body appeared to falter. Fans and analysts admire his selflessness, noting his history of prioritizing team success. His remarkable record—205 wickets in 45 Tests at an average below 20—underscores his importance to India, particularly in challenging overseas conditions like England’s swinging pitches. Yet, the toll of his high-intensity bowling action, which relies heavily on his shoulders and back, raises concerns about sustainability, especially after a back surgery in 2023 and recurring injuries.
The cricket community is grappling with the possibility of a Test landscape without Bumrah, whose unique action and precision have redefined fast bowling. His passion for the game, evident in his leadership during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and iconic spells like the one in Perth against Australia, makes the prospect of retirement disheartening. As India trails 1-2 in the series, with the fifth Test looming, the team faces a critical choice: push Bumrah to play and risk further injury or rely on emerging pacers like Arshdeep Singh. For now, fans hope Bumrah can overcome his physical setbacks, but his future in the longest format hangs in the balance, leaving Indian cricket at a crossroads.
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