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.

“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 has 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 is a famous swingers and seam bowlers' pitch, and this aspect can potentially play into Bumrah to his advantage since it would be a tactical advantage to have him back.
   
• Former star Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out that if Bumrah and Siraj are feeling fresher due to recent off days, India can play them as an extra option too.

The decision is now tactical rather than strategic on the part of India to go with The Oval: the fitness and subsequent calendar of their fast-bowling star versus the tried-and-tested match-winning formula in an all-important contest to determine the destination of the series.