ENG vs IND 2025: Is Jasprit Bumrah fit for the Manchester Test? Jasprit Bumrah fitness, ENG vs IND 4th Test 2025, Bumrah bowling speed drop, England vs India Test series 2025
When Team India landed on the field in Manchester, every eye was on Jasprit Bumrah. Expectations were sky high for Bumrah, who took 12 wickets in two matches. But as the Test progressed, Bumrah's deliveries did not display that edge. Neither the pace was evident in those deliveries, nor the one for which he is known.
In the beginning, it seemed as if he was just settling into himself. Usually, it does not take him more than two overs to tune himself, but this time, something was different. He bowled 19 overs but did not get a wicket. The deliveries that he bowled were either going to the leg side or falling very short.
Bumrah's pace dropped: Jasprit Bumrah's pace drop, Michael Vaughan on Bumrah, Bumrah vs Jofra Archer, Bumrah's bowling analysis
Michael Vaughan clearly said on the BBC that Bumrah's deliveries seem playable this time. He compared Bumrah to Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, who were able to extract more pace from the wicket. Vaughan also added that the edge that Bumrah had in the Lord's Test is no longer visible.
The data and the stats are also revealing the same thing. Usually, Bumrah bowls in the range of 138 to 142 km/h. However, in the Manchester Test, he did not bowl a single ball above 140. It does not seem to be just a matter of fatigue, but perhaps the body no longer has the energy that is needed for Test cricket. There was only an eight-day break between the third and fourth Tests. So, the Indian star pacer should have had time to rest, but that has not been seen in his bowling so far at Old Trafford.
Is Bumrah fully fit? Bumrah injury update, Bumrah back injury, workload management fast bowlers, ENG vs IND 4th Test 2025 news
There was a moment during the Test when Bumrah bowled just one over with the new ball and left the field. He returned after a while, but by then the lines of concern had emerged. This is a clear indication that he is not fully fit. He suffered a back injury in January. The pacer did bowl in IPL 2025, but IPL cricket is just of four overs per match. The load is different in Test cricket, and perhaps his body is not ready for that pressure yet.
Now, Bumrah himself had said that he would play only three matches in this series. Perhaps he has been limited by the same thinking, but the picture that is seen in Manchester shows that Bumrah probably needs more time.
What is the result? ENG vs IND 2025 latest news, Bumrah form concern, Bumrah fitness ENG vs IND Test
At this time, Bumrah is being criticised on social media. Often this criticism is without reason, but this time the questions seem right. Is Bumrah really fit? Does he need rest?
If Team India wants the best performance from Bumrah for a long time, then he will have to give time to his body. Only the name cannot be trusted. To be effective in Test matches, both the body and the mind have to be kept ready.
The Manchester Test made one thing clear—Bumrah is not in full form at the moment. Whether it is fatigue, fitness issues or the effect of an old injury, Team India will now have to look seriously at Bumrah's workload. Otherwise, that Bumrah, who once used to turn the match single-handedly, may gradually fade away.
