Credit: BCCI
Following Team India’s defeat at the hands of England in the Lord’s Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, eyes are set on the visitors as their supporters are expecting them to bounce back in the fourth Test to be played at the Old Trafford from July 23 onwards. Before the crucial contest, there is also a big question whether the pacer will play the fourth Test, noting the workload policy regarding him. Prior to the ongoing Test tour, the Board of Control for Control in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Bumrah would not be available for all the five matches. Months after that announcement, Agarkar’s decision regarding the 31-year-old is receiving criticism from former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar.
In an interview with RevSportz, Vengsarkar said that he believes that the players need to appear in all the matches of the series and there should be no personal preference at all. "I'm not in favour of bowlers picking and choosing Test matches. If you're fit and available, you should play all the matches for your country. Bumrah is a world-class bowler, and he can win matches for India. But once you're on tour, you need to play every match. There's no question of selecting matches based on personal preference," said Vengsarkar.
The ex-India player also highlighted Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the Birmingham Test despite a gap of seven days between the first and second matches. "What is important is playing for India and if you are unfit, then don't play at all. He had a gap of almost 7-8 days after the first Test match, but still was not included for the second Test which was not acceptable. Maybe it was acceptable for Agarkar and Gambhir," added Vengsarkar.
Jasprit Bumrah’s performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational in this tournament against England. Despite missing the second Test, he is the second-leading wicket-taker in the competition. He has bagged 12 wickets in four innings of two matches with best bowling figures of 5/74 in the first innings of the Lord’s Test.
Noting the 31-year-old’s remarkable form, India will look to get his services in the fourth game. India have never won any Test match at the Old Trafford in Manchester and captain Shubman Gill will want his most-reliable stalwart to show up to win the game at the venue and rewrite history.
