India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh was announced a few days ago and jasprit bumrah‘s selection for the same surprised many. It was widely reported that the fast bowler would be rested due to a hectic season ahead for India, which includes Test matches against New Zealand at home and then a five-match series against Australia in the same format. Moreover, he will also be playing the Champions Trophy in February. So why did the selectors pick him for the matches against Bangladesh when India has not lost to them even once in 13 outings?
Well, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel might be playing smart here. Bumrah is unlikely to be needed for extended periods as spin plays a major role during the home season. He last played red-ball cricket in March 2024 against England and has played white-ball cricket tirelessly since then, including the Indian Premier League (LPI) and the T20 World Cup.
The selectors might be of the opinion that Bumrah will be rusty if he is directly involved in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in November and after being deprived of long spells for over six months, he could be at risk of injury as well. India literally cannot afford to lose the 30-year-old in Australia. He has played crucial roles in India’s last two series wins against Australia away from home, having picked up 32 wickets in just seven matches.
Jasprit Bumrah’s record in Australia in Tests
| Matches played | Entrance | Portillos | Average | 5-wicket hauls |
| 7 | 14 | 32 | 21.25 | 1 |
The idea of playing could simply be so that Bumrah continues to play red-ball cricket and can rest up for the second Test match. He could also end up playing at least one Test match against New Zealand (especially the first one) and then give him enough rest before the series against Australia, scheduled to start on November 22.
A special debut against Bangladesh
Interestingly, Jasprit Bumrah’s importance over the years in Tests has been such that despite making his Test debut in 2018, he will be playing against Bangladesh for the first time. This means that India have retained him more often, especially for tours of South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA countries).
Bumrah is playing for the first time since winning the T20 World Cup for India on June 29 and has been fairly well rested for over two months. He will also be eager to get back on the field and give Bangladesh’s batsmen a hard time in the first Test in Chennai, where the surface is soft.
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