Bumrah Fit, Workload to Decide Oval Test Selection: India Batting Coach.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Tuesday that Jasprit Bumrah is “fit” ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, but said a final decision on his selection would be taken after a careful evaluation of his workload. The deciding match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins on 31 July.
“There has been no discussion yet regarding Bumrah’s inclusion,” Kotak told reporters. “He is fit at the moment. Based on his workload—he bowled only one innings in the last match—the head coach, physio and captain will consult and make a decision.”
Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball this series, taking 14 wickets—including two five-wicket hauls—at an average of 26.00 and an economy of 3.04. However, his effectiveness dipped in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he bowled 28 overs across the match for just one wicket, with a visible drop in pace and intensity compared to his earlier outings at Lord’s and Headingley.
Team management had planned to rotate Bumrah during the series as part of a broader workload management strategy, with expectations that he would play three of the five matches. Having bowled only one innings in the Manchester Test, he could be considered for the Oval finale, especially with India needing a win to level the series 2-2.
The team arrived in London on Monday evening and resumed training the next day. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all pacers are fully fit and “high on confidence” ahead of what he termed a “new game.” Vice-captain Shubman Gill also expressed hope, telling BBC’s Test Match Special, “If he feels fully fit and available, it would be a big boost for us.”
Yet, there is a case for caution. With a packed international schedule ahead—including a home series against the West Indies—the team may opt to preserve Bumrah for the longer term, potentially resting him after the England tour if he does play the Oval Test.
So far, Bumrah has sat out just one match this series—ironically, the only Test India won.
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