“Jasprit Bumrah’s Inclusion in Manchester Test Crucial: Former India Player”

Bumrah Must Play Fourth Test at Manchester, Says Deep Dasgupta.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes Jasprit Bumrah must play the crucial fourth Test against England in Manchester, as India trails 1-2 in the five-match series. Despite featuring in just two Tests so far, Bumrah has been India’s most effective bowler, picking up 12 wickets in four innings at an average of 21 — including five-wicket hauls in both matches.

Before the series began, there were concerns about the pacer’s workload management. Bumrah had missed the Champions Trophy due to a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gautam Gambhir had earlier suggested that Bumrah would feature only in the first, third, and fifth Tests — a stance he reiterated after India’s defeat at Headingley.

However, Dasgupta feels the current situation demands flexibility. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:
“Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test? Absolutely yes. I’ve heard rumours the plan was for him to play only the first, third and fifth Tests. But now that India are behind in the series, the fourth Test becomes absolutely crucial. You want the world’s best bowler to play.”

He added that the eight-day gap between the Lord’s Test (which ended on July 14) and the Manchester Test (starting July 23) gives Bumrah enough time to recover.
“There’s an eight-day gap. Whether the fifth Test will even be relevant depends on this one — but the fourth Test is extremely important.”

The call for Bumrah’s inclusion isn’t just Dasgupta’s. Several former cricketers, including Anil Kumble, have urged India to play their premier pacer in both remaining matches and think about rest only after the series is over.