Jasprit Bumrah is set to play his first match for India since the T20 World Cup final, when India faces Bangladesh on September 19.
Surprisingly, Bumrah’s return to India’s Test squad for the first match against Bangladesh hasn't attracted much attention, despite being as significant as Yash Dayal’s maiden call-up. On Sunday, shortly after the Duleep Trophy first-round matches concluded, the BCCI swiftly announced a 16-member squad for the first Test. While most discussions centred around Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket for the first time since his car accident two years ago, Bumrah’s comeback largely flew under the radar.
Why is this noteworthy? Initially, signs indicated that Bumrah would miss the first two Tests of India’s home season. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled for later this year and Bumrah's history of stress fractures, it was widely assumed that he would be rested until the three-Test series against New Zealand, using that as preparation for the five Tests in Australia. As recently as mid-August, a BCCI source had suggested that Bumrah’s participation in the Bangladesh Tests would be his decision, with selectors prioritizing a fully fit Bumrah for the Australia series.
So what changed in just a few weeks? Several factors appear to have influenced Bumrah's early return. India’s ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh's historic 2-0 victory over Pakistan may have triggered a reevaluation. Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel was contemplating a youthful pace attack featuring Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, but ultimately settled on Akash Deep and Yash Dayal to join Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in a four-man pace unit.
India’s bowling attack, notably Siraj and Arshdeep, struggled to finish off Sri Lanka in key moments, and Bumrah’s absence was acutely felt. With no Hardik Pandya to provide a fifth bowling option, India had to rely on part-time spinners like Riyan Parag. Returning to Indian pitches—where Bangladesh’s spinners, such as Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan, will thrive—India couldn’t afford to face Bangladesh without their premier fast bowler.
In December 2022, Bangladesh nearly claimed their first-ever Test win over India, with only a late partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin saving India. With Iyer out of the squad and Virat Kohli and KL Rahul returning to Test cricket after a long hiatus, India is keen to bolster its lineup with experienced pacers. Although the spin attack looked solid with Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, the team didn’t want to take risks with its fast bowling.
A recent image of Bumrah in the nets hinted at his readiness for a return. While he hasn't played competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup and might be rusty, expectations remain high—this is Bumrah, after all. There was a time when his workload was managed to prioritize overseas tours, but his inclusion in India's home series is now seen as critical. His 19 wickets from four Tests against England earlier this year highlighted his adaptability, regardless of pitch or conditions.
With India’s focus on the World Test Championship and 10 pivotal Tests ahead, Bumrah’s inclusion became a necessity. Although Mohammed Shami was expected to play, his absence due to recovery left Bumrah as the clear choice to lead India’s pace attack, answering the selectors’ urgent call.