Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence Brings Wins? India’s England 2025 Tour Raises Big Questions

Since his debut, Jasprit Bumrah has been a key figure in India's Test lineup, featuring in 47 Tests. However, an intriguing pattern has emerged during the ongoing India tour of England in 2025. India has faced two significant defeats in the five-match Test series, both of which saw Bumrah in action. In the first Test, England chased down a target of 371, and in the third Test at Lord's, India failed to chase 193, giving England a 2-1 series lead. Interestingly, in the second Test at Birmingham, which Bumrah missed, India registered a record 336-run victory.

Prior to the series, Bumrah had informed the team management that he would play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. With India needing to win the fourth Test in Manchester, starting on July 23, to keep the series alive, the decision regarding Bumrah's participation has become a topic of discussion. Former England cricketer David Lloyd shared his thoughts on this matter, saying, "It is what they've said and what coach Gautam Gambhir said—that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he's got a choice. There are two matches to go. He's played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can't they?"

Lloyd further speculated, "If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you'd think he'd play at The Oval as well. I'm second-guessing, but I think he'll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won't play. But if it's 2-2, he will play at The Oval."

Since his debut, Bumrah has featured in 47 Tests, with India recording 20 wins and 23 losses in those games. During the same period, he has missed 27 Tests—India have won 19, lost just five, and drawn three of those matches. Even in the second Test at Birmingham, India’s pace unit stepped up in his absence, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep taking 17 wickets between them.

"That's extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn't play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella," Lloyd added.