Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has voiced his opinion that Jasprit Bumrah should have been rested from the IPL 2025 to be fully available for India’s five-Test series against England.
Series Ends in Dramatic Draw; Siraj Shines
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Mohammed Siraj won plaudits for his tireless efforts, playing all five Tests and delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul in the final innings at The Oval, helping India secure a nail-biting six-run victory.
The Debate Over Bumrah’s Limited Participation
While Siraj’s heroics grabbed headlines, Jasprit Bumrah’s role in only three Tests sparked debate. Vengsarkar believes Bumrah should have skipped the IPL to prioritize the England Tests.
Bumrah had played all five Tests against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but suffered a back spasm in Sydney. This injury sidelined him from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and the first few IPL matches for Mumbai Indians. He returned mid-IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Before the England Tests, Bumrah informed the BCCI that he intended to play only three matches to manage his workload.
Vengsarkar: “Bumrah Should Have Missed IPL”
Speaking to Times of India, Vengsarkar said, “Considering the importance of the India-England Test series and Bumrah’s fragile back, the BCCI and selectors should have advised him to sit out IPL 2025. It was crucial to have a fully fit Bumrah for this iconic series.”
He added, “If I were the chief selector, I would have convinced Mumbai Indians owner Mukesh Ambani and Bumrah himself to either skip the IPL or play fewer games. I’m sure they would have agreed.”
IPL Stats Fade, Test Performances Last
In the three Tests he played against England, Bumrah showed his class with two five-wicket hauls at Headingley and Lord’s. Yet, Vengsarkar feels Test achievements matter far more than IPL stats.
“Who really remembers IPL runs and wickets? But Siraj’s fearless performance, along with the brilliant batting from Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, plus Washington Sundar’s all-round display, will be remembered,” he said.
A Wish for Bumrah’s Full Availability
Vengsarkar believes India might have won the series if Bumrah had been available throughout but stressed that Bumrah cannot be blamed.
“It was a historic series, and I wish Bumrah had played all the Tests. That could have changed the outcome,” he said.
“You can’t fault him for missing matches—he recently had back surgery. His back is fragile, so caution is necessary. His commitment to India is unquestionable; he gives everything whenever he plays. I hope he comes back fully rested and fit,” Vengsarkar concluded.
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