1. Bumrah is fully fit, but decision still pending Jasprit Bumrah
Assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate said that Bumrah is available for the game, but the team management has not yet decided whether he will play in the second Test or not.
2. Plan to play 3 Tests already decided
Team India has already decided to play Bumrah in only three out of five Tests so that his fitness and impact can be balanced.
3. Confusion even after getting 8 days of rest
Bumrah has got an eight-day break after the first Test, but the final decision will be taken before the match keeping in mind the pitch, weather and his workload.
4. Bumrah can be saved for Lord’s and Oval
According to Doeschate, it is possible that the team may keep Bumrah safe for big grounds like Lord’s or Manchester by not playing him in Birmingham.
5. Hope for victory even in Bumrah’s absence
The coach says that the team is confident that they can bring the score to 1-1 even without Bumrah and level the series.
6. It is almost certain that two spinners will play in the second Test
Dochet clarified that India can go with two spin bowlers in the Birmingham Test. Now it remains to be seen which two spinners will be selected.
7. Brainstorming continues regarding spin combination
All three spinners are bowling well, Washington Sundar is also batting brilliantly, in such a situation the team will have to choose between an all-rounder and a pure spinner.
8. The nature of the pitch also plays a big role
There is 11–12 mm of grass on the pitch, which makes it an all-rounder. However, the surface below is dry which can help spin.
9. Rain is also disrupting the strategy
There is a possibility of rain on Wednesday, due to which the team will have to balance between aggressive and defensive strategy.
10. The decision will be taken in the next 24 hours
The coach made it clear that the final decision regarding Bumrah will be taken in the next 24 hours, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Conclusion
A fast bowler like Jasprit Bumrah is a trump card for Team India, but deciding the right time to use him is the real strategy of the team. All factors like pitch, weather, series situation and fatigue of other bowlers will decide whether Bumrah will play in the Birmingham Test or wait till Lord’s.
October 9, 2025