Former Indian cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri has asked the Indian team management to manage their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah's workload carefully.
BET NOW: Can IND win the Test series vs ENG? CLICK, SIGN UP, and WIN WELCOME BONUS up to INR 20,000
Shastri believes managing Bumrah will be key for the Indian team if they want to come out with a positive result from the Test series against England.
The Indian cricket team will play a five-match Test series against the Three Lions in June. The series will also mark the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Previously, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia earlier this year, where Bumrah suffered an injury in the final Test match of the series.
The pacer wasn’t able to return in time for the second innings, as India slumped to a defeat and were consequently did not qualify for the WTC 2025 Final.
READ MORE: RR vs GT: Where to watch IPL 2025 match?
What did Ravi Shastri say about Jasprit Bumrah?
Shastri expressed his thoughts on the challenges of keeping Jasprit Bumrah fit for the entirety of the test series in England.
Who will be the highest wicket taker in IPL 2025? BET and WIN exciting CASH PRIZES
Speaking to ICC Review, Shastri said, "I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah]. I would give him two Tests at a time and then wait for the break. Ideally, make him play four. You’ll be tempted to make him play five if he starts in a great manner, but it’s how his body pulls up."
Shastri further stressed that the Indian speedster should be allowed to speak about his fitness beforehand.
"He should be given the first opportunity to say, ‘Yes, a little, [I am] feeling the niggle. A break would help.’ Give him that break."
Shastri also mentioned that the fit trio of Bumrah-Shami-Siraj will cause problems for England in the upcoming series.
"I think with Siraj, Jasprit and Mohammed Shami, these three, if they are fully fit, they will give England heaps of problems. It’s a quality, top-class pace attack when you get these three fit."
Shastri concluded that Mohammed Siraj's comeback after not being selected for the Champions Trophy earlier this year has been excellent and that he is expecting more from the pacer in the future.
"And what I like about Siraj, I’m glad he was hurt after being put out, not on the side for the Champions Trophy. That’s what you want. For him to go back to the drawing board and come back the way he has, there’s a spring in his stride, the pace is up there, and he means business game after game."
Predict the winner of IND vs ENG and Win a Welcome Bonus of upto INR 20,000 & exciting Cash Prizes