Jasprit Bumrah, once the spearhead of India’s Test bowling attack, is facing a challenging phase in his career as physical struggles and a dip in pace have become increasingly evident during the ongoing fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. The 31-year-old pacer conceded 112 runs in 33 overs, taking only two wickets, marking the first time since his Test debut in 2018 that he has given away over 100 runs in a single innings. This uncharacteristic performance has sparked intense discussions about his future in the longest format of the game.
India currently trails England by 311 runs in the match, with the hosts amassing a massive total of 669 runs, the highest ever scored in a Test innings at Manchester. Bumrah’s bowling figures of 33-5-112-2 reflect not only the pressure the Indian attack has been under but also the toll that the demanding schedule and lingering fitness issues have taken on the bowler.
Former Australia captain and current commentator Ricky Ponting was quick to point out Bumrah’s reduced effectiveness, citing his pace as a key concern. "Bumrah did look a bit flat right from the start of this game, to be honest. You look at his pace. His pace has been sort of 82, 83 miles an hour on average right the way through this game, which is probably three or four or five miles down on what he normally is," Ponting remarked on SKY Sports. He also highlighted the physical and mental toll of the series on both Bumrah and fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj, who returned figures of 30-4-140-1 in the innings.
Adding to the narrative, former India batter Mohammad Kaif voiced concerns about Bumrah’s future in Test cricket, suggesting that the bowler might soon retire. Kaif noted that Bumrah’s body appears to be “totally given up” and that he is struggling to maintain the intensity and pace that once made him the world’s No. 1 Test bowler. "Jasprit Bumrah, I don't think you will see him playing in the upcoming test matches. And he might even take retirement. He is struggling with his body. His body has totally given up," Kaif stated in a video shared on social media.
Kaif pointed to Bumrah’s noticeable drop in speed during the Manchester Test, where he has been bowling consistently in the 130-135 kmph range, a significant decline from the 140 kmph speeds he maintained earlier in the series at Headingley and Lord’s. He also recalled Bumrah’s back spasm during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney earlier this year, which ruled him out of competitive cricket for over three months and caused him to miss the Champions Trophy and the start of the IPL 2025 season.
Despite these setbacks, Bumrah has displayed remarkable resilience in recent years. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian and only Asian to take 50 or more Test wickets in two separate away countries—51 wickets in England and 64 in Australia. He is also on the cusp of surpassing Ishant Sharma’s record of 51 Test wickets in England to become India’s leading wicket-taker on English soil.
However, the physical demands of Test cricket appear to be catching up with the pacer. Kaif emphasized Bumrah’s selflessness and professionalism, noting that if he feels he can no longer contribute fully to the team by winning matches or taking wickets, he would likely step away on his own accord. "He is a selfless person. If he feels that he is not able to give 100 per cent for the country, that he is not able to win the match, that he is not getting the wickets, then he himself will refuse. This is my gut feel," Kaif added.
On the field, Bumrah’s physical discomfort was evident. During the second session of the fourth Test, he was seen holding his ankle and running in gingerly, bowling well within himself. His reduced pace and lack of aggression have been noticeable to commentators and fans alike, raising questions about his ability to sustain his workload in future matches.
Ricky Ponting also highlighted the pressure exerted by England’s top-order batsmen, particularly Ben Duckett and Harry Crawley, who put the Indian bowling attack under significant strain from the outset. This compounded the challenges faced by Bumrah and Siraj, both of whom have played multiple Tests during the England tour and are showing signs of fatigue.
In the broader context, Bumrah’s struggles come at a time when Indian cricket is witnessing the departure of several key players from the Test arena. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin have already stepped away from the format, and Kaif suggested that fans may need to acclimate to watching Test cricket without Bumrah as well. "First, Virat Kohli went. Then Rohit Sharma went. Ashwin is not there. Now, without Bumrah, get used to it, Indian fans. I feel that you will have to get used to watching Test matches without him as well," he said.
Despite these challenges, Bumrah’s passion and mental sharpness remain intact. Kaif observed, "His mind is still sharp, his passion remains, but his body isn’t keeping up. So what can you really do?" This sentiment captures the bittersweet reality of a player who has given so much to Indian cricket but is now confronting the inevitable physical limits of an elite sporting career.
Looking back at Bumrah’s performances this year, his workload management has been a key focus for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Prior to the England tour, it was announced that Bumrah would play only three Tests to preserve his fitness, a strategy that has been put to the test given the intensity of the series. He featured in the series opener at Headingley, where he impressed with a five-wicket haul and speeds consistently over 140 kmph. He missed the second Test at Edgbaston but returned for the third Test at Lord’s, where despite a noticeable drop in pace, he secured seven wickets in the match, including another five-wicket haul.
However, the fourth Test has starkly highlighted the challenges Bumrah faces. Conceding 112 runs in an innings for the first time in his career is an unthinkable low for a bowler of his calibre. Yet, this statistic also underscores the high standards he has maintained over 90 innings before this point, a streak second only to Joe Root’s 140 innings before conceding 100 runs in a Test innings.
As the series progresses, the question looms large: will Bumrah be able to recover and reclaim his dominant form, or is this the beginning of the end of his illustrious Test career? While the fifth Test is unlikely to feature the pacer, as per BCCI’s pre-tour workload management plan, the cricketing world watches closely, aware that a new chapter in Indian cricket might be unfolding.
For now, Bumrah’s legacy as one of India’s finest Test bowlers is secure. His record-breaking feats, including being the only Asian to claim 50 or more wickets in two different away countries, speak volumes about his skill and determination. Yet, as the physical demands of the game intensify, the sport must prepare for the eventual transition, bidding farewell to a player who has electrified crowds and inspired teammates with his pace, precision, and passion.
