India crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the 1st Test, securing an unassailable 1-0 lead. Wild with insane excitement, a new enigma is born in the 2nd Test in Delhi, wherein from October 10 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, the two teams shall come in confrontation.
The playing XI will possibly witness some changes before the second Test, considering that India is destined to tour Australia for the white-ball series commencing on October 19. However, sprinkling some doubt would be the question about Jasprit Bumrah-whether the India seamer should play the 2nd Test or deserves some much-needed rest.
Crucially, the first Test saw Mohammed Siraj outshine Bumrah, who could only take three wickets in that match, raising some protestors’ concerns about the hurry or importance of having the right-arm seamer playing against a far lesser-ranked Test side such as the West Indies.
While there has been no confirmation if Bumrah will feature in the test in Delhi or not, this article will examine reasons why the 31-year-old should not be playing the 2nd Test and who may come into replace him.
Reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should be Rested for the 2nd test
1. Whereabouts and Workload Management
Five months ahead would also bring another ICC event for India, that is the 2026 T20 World Cup, and so practically, the spotlight is on Bumrah. Now, Bumrah essentially has been playing a lot in the Asian conditions in recent times; his body is screaming for some rest after such a hectic schedule. Very rarely do you have to wait for cramps or some weakness to appear before deciding on giving him some rest.
Bumrah has so far played the entire Asia Cup 2025, bowling a full quota of 20 overs in two innings against West Indies in blazing heat at Ahmedabad. Throw in another heavy spell in Delhi, and it would surely drain the MI star. India will, however, never take a chance of further aggravating any injury concerns to Bumrah in Australia as he has to start against the Men In Yellow in the upcoming three T20Is.
2. Testing of bench strength
India should also start treating the 2nd Test as an opportunity of glow for others other than Bumrah. West Indies are not like Australia or England, who would require Bumrah’s presence.
Additionally, the first Test gave clear indications that spin is more useful in Indian conditions. Having said that, going with Axar Patel and all out for four spinners and one lone seamer in Mohammed Siraj can serve as an advantage for Team India.
Axar, on the other hand, was dropped for the 1st Test, and he has done nothing wrong to warrant his further exclusion in the ongoing series.
Besides, Prasidh Krishna may be another glorious bowling option for India as he was Bumrah’s deputy in the England series, in which the right-arm seamer featured in only three matches.
3. Keep Eye on the Future
Apart from the World Cup, WTC title is another piece of silverware Gambhir and co want, having been runners-up twice, yet to lay their hands on the prestigious title. However, India have to look ahead, managing their most precious commodity in Bumrah after the forthcoming series with West Indies.
Following West Indies will be Tests against South Africa, current champions, with Bumrah expected to play in all the Tests.
So far, the right-arm pacer has bowled 167 overs in all formats. It is time for the Shubman Gill-led side to be very careful with him and keep their MI star for the bigger challenge in South Africa.
