India’s Final Test Gamble: Bumrah in Doubt, Shubman Gill Responds

India’s Final Test Gamble: IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar all scored centuries to help India escape with a memorable draw against England in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford.

However, all eyes will be on the fifth and final Test match at The Oval, where the big question is whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the final.

Regarding Bumrah’s availability, Gill keeps cards close.

Jasprit Bumrah, who returned from a back injury earlier this year, was only expected to play three of the five Test matches in England, according to India’s announcement prior to the series. The top pacer was rested for the Manchester Test after appearing in the first three games.

However, India captain Shubman Gill remained silent about Bumrah’s return, even though the series was still in play with England leading 2-1.

Gill told Test Match Special, “I think it would be a great deal for us if he feels like he’s fully fit and available for us.”

“I still believe we have the right bowling attack even if he isn’t playing.”

With 14 wickets so far, greater than any other Indian player, Bumrah has been India’s strongest bowler in the series. But in the fourth Test, he only took two wickets for 112 runs in 33 overs, displaying signs of burnout.

Cook: India Was Wrong to Show Burmah’s Limit

Gill was commended by former England captain Alastair Cook for keeping India’s plans for Bumrah a secret until the very end.

“On a purely tactical basis, you wouldn’t tell people right now even if he isn’t going to play,” Cook stated.

“They were wrong to say he could only play three at the start of the series. The series is now at stake.

After Pant was ruled out due to a broken foot, Jagadeesan called.

India’s batting lineup will suffer a serious setback as wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will miss the fifth Test due to a broken foot. On the first day of the fourth Test, Chris Woakes struck him while he was attempting a reverse sweep.

Pant courageously returned to batting on Day 2 and finished with a valiant 54 despite the pain. India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, was gushing:

Praise is not enough on its own. Gambhir said, “Generations should talk about this person who batted with a broken foot.”

“I hope he gets well and returns soon for us.”

Uncapped Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan has been called up as cover since Pant is out.

India’s bowling options and Akash Deep’s return Make stronger

Pacer Akash Deep, who was sidelined for the fourth Test because of a groin injury, will be available for the final Test at The Oval, Gill further confirmed. If Bumrah is given another break, his return will provide India with a much-needed seam option.

India’s Amazing Comeback in Manchester

India pulled off an incredible comeback in Manchester after being forced to follow on 311 runs behind. Early in the second innings, they were down 0–2, but they recovered with outstanding hundreds from Gill (143*), Jadeja (100*), and Sundar (108*), finishing at 425/4.

With ten overs left, the teams shook hands because the Indian stand was too strong for England’s bowlers, including part-timers Joe Root and Harry Brook.

“This is no less than a win for us,” Gill said after the draw.

“Our batsmen put on a great display after being 300 runs behind.”

The Oval will host the series finale.

Now, the fifth and final Test at The Oval shifts into an important match. India can tie the series at both with a victory, and England can win the series with just a draw. India is hoping to maintain their momentum into the final game and end the tour on a positive note, yet the international cricket world is awaiting word on Bumrah’s fitness.