Gambhir Leaves Bumrah Choice Open Ahead of Decisive Oval Test

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasised that no final decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the critical fifth Test at The Oval, scheduled for 31 July. While Bumrah is fit and all fast bowlers are available, the series’s shift still leaves his inclusion uncertain.

Series Workload vs Final Push

Before the series began, it was agreed that Bumrah would play only three out of five Tests to manage injury risk and preserve long-term fitness, following a back stress fracture earlier in 2025. 

After three appearances, including a heavy workload in Manchester, the management has refrained from pre-emptively ruling him out of the Oval clash.

Gambhir reiterated: “No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays … will try and do the job for the country”.

Remaining Fit & Available

Despite concerns, Gambhir confirmed that all pace options—including Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep—are fit for selection. Akash Deep remains injured, but India retains depth in bowling choices for the final match.

Captain Shubman Gill added that if Bumrah is “fully fit and available,” it would be a significant boost—though India have the resources to proceed even without him.

What’s at Stake?

• A win at The Oval would square the series at 2–2, meaning India draw the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, while a loss hands the series to England 3–1.
   
• The Oval pitch, known for swing and seam movement, could suit Bumrah’s strengths, making his potential return a tactical advantage.
   
• Former great Sunil Gavaskar noted that recent rest days may mitigate fatigue for Bumrah and Siraj, enhancing India’s ability to field him if needed.
   

India’s selection call for The Oval now hinges on tactical judgement: prioritising Bumrah’s fitness and future calendar or banking on his proven match-winning ability in a series-defining clash.