🏏 Is This the End of an Era? Jasprit Bumrah’s Test Cricket Future Under the Microscope

For the better part of the last decade, Jasprit Bumrah has been a name synonymous with fast bowling excellence in Indian cricket. With his unique bowling action, deadly yorkers, and unwavering consistency, he has carved out a space for himself among the greatest pacers to represent the country. But as the cricketing calendar rolled into 2025, concerns over his fitness and long-term viability in the longest format have begun to dominate headlines.

With mounting injuries, a noticeable drop in pace, and speculative commentary from former cricketers like Mohammad Kaif, many are beginning to wonder—is this the beginning of the end of Bumrah’s Test career? Let’s take a deep dive into this pressing issue.

🧩 Bumrah’s Recent Performances: Signs of Decline or Just a Blip?

In the ongoing India vs England Test series in 2025, Bumrah’s performance has been a mixed bag—flashes of brilliance interrupted by moments of visible struggle.

✅ First Test – Headingley

Bumrah showcased his class early in the series, picking up 5/83 in the first innings.
Despite his heroics, India fell short, losing by 5 wickets.

❌ Second Test – Edgbaston

He was rested for this match, which India won by 336 runs. His absence, part of a workload management strategy, already hinted at concerns within the team management.

✅ Third Test – Lord’s

Returning with full energy, Bumrah claimed another five-wicket haul, keeping India in the contest until the very end.
However, India narrowly lost the Test by 22 runs.

⚠️ Fourth Test – Manchester (as of July 26, 2025)

This is where the warning lights started flashing. Across 33 overs, Bumrah could only pick up 2 wickets for 112 runs.
His pace was consistently in the 130–135 kmph range, significantly lower than his usual 140+ kmph.
To add fuel to the fire, he twisted his ankle mid-match, raising more concerns about his physical fitness.

🔥 Mohammad Kaif’s Comment That Sparked a Storm

During live commentary on July 26, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a bold, controversial statement:

“He is struggling with his body and due to this he may have to retire from Test cricket. His speed was not visible in this match, and he is a very self-respecting person. If he feels that he is not able to give 100 percent and is not able to take wickets, then he can refuse himself.”

Kaif’s words weren’t without merit. At that point, Bumrah’s body language on the field was noticeably weary. His run-up lacked intensity, his pace had dipped, and the ankle scare only worsened the optics. Whether intended as analysis or prophecy, Kaif’s comments have sparked a nationwide debate.

⚕️ The Injury History: A Body Under Constant Siege

Bumrah’s career has been as much a triumph over physical adversity as it has been a celebration of bowling brilliance. His bowling action—short run-up, angular release, and explosive delivery—makes him lethal, but it also puts immense pressure on his lower back, ankles, and shoulders.

A Timeline of Major Injuries:

2019: Stress fracture in the lower back. Missed multiple international assignments.
2021–2023: Occasional niggles, leading to workload management and limited Test appearances.
2024: Back spasms during the 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Sydney. Missed the Champions Trophy and first half of IPL 2025.
July 2025: Ankle injury during the 4th Test against England at Manchester.

Even bowling legends like Glenn McGrath have raised caution regarding Bumrah’s action, warning that the longer he plays Tests, the greater the risk of injury recurrence.

🎙️ Bumrah’s Perspective: “One Day at a Time”

Despite the noise around him, Bumrah has remained composed and pragmatic. In a revealing interview on May 30, 2025, he said:

“At this moment, I am ok. But I don’t set goals such as this is the number I should be at. I look at it one day at a time. The journey is going good so far, but the day I realise that the drive is gone or the effort is not there or my body is not holding up, that is the time when you make the decision.”

This calm response reflects a player who understands the physical demands of the game. He doesn’t seek external validation but instead trusts his internal compass. Still, his words also carry the undertone of a man preparing for the inevitable.

📉 The Drop in Pace: A Technical Red Flag

One of the most discussed aspects of Bumrah’s recent form is the decline in bowling speed. Known for consistently clocking 140-145 kmph, Bumrah has been bowling in the low 130s during the Manchester Test. This isn't just a minor dip—it’s a significant deviation that impacts both his effectiveness and intimidation factor.

Why Does This Matter?

Lower speeds make him easier to handle for batters, especially in overseas conditions.
He becomes less potent with the old ball, as reverse swing effectiveness reduces.
It hints at underlying physical stress, possibly tied to his recurring back injuries.

While bowlers like Anderson and Ishant Sharma extended their careers at reduced pace through smart bowling, Bumrah’s style is heavily reliant on explosiveness.

📱 Social Media and Fan Reactions: The Divide is Real

Kaif’s comments opened the floodgates on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Some posts went viral, echoing both concern and admiration.

@ImTanujSingh: “Bumrah's Test days seem numbered. The fire’s there, but the body isn’t holding up. Might be time to focus on ODIs & T20s.” – 174K+ views
@RichKettle07: “He’s a national treasure. Let’s not risk him in Tests if his body can’t handle it. Preserve him for white-ball formats.” – 821K+ views

On the flip side, others believe with proper rest and management, he can still play an integral Test role. The divide mirrors the dilemma team management also faces.

🇮🇳 What This Means for Indian Cricket

There’s no sugarcoating it—losing Jasprit Bumrah from the Test arena would be a massive blow.

Bumrah's Test Record (as of July 2025):

Matches: 47
Wickets: 217
Bowling Average: 19.49
Strike Rate: 44.5
5-Wicket Hauls: 10

These aren't just good numbers; they are legendary. Bumrah is arguably India's most impactful fast bowler in overseas Tests, having delivered memorable spells in England, Australia, South Africa, and West Indies.

Possible Replacements:

Mohammed Siraj: Inconsistent, but improving steadily.
Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep: Talented, but untested at the elite level for extended spells.
Shardul Thakur: A handy all-rounder but lacks Bumrah’s raw pace and control.

Without Bumrah, India may revert to spin-heavy attacks or rely on newer pace options that may not offer the same bite.

🛠️ Workload Management: A Fragile Lifeline?

India’s decision to rest Bumrah during the second Test at Edgbaston showed an effort to prolong his career. But the Manchester Test proved that even carefully managed returns can’t protect him from injury scares.

BCCI has invested heavily in sports science and player rotation. But Test cricket, by its very nature, demands sustained spells over five days—something no algorithm can ease.

🔮 Final Verdict: Is Retirement Imminent?

While there is no official confirmation, the signs point to a tough decision ahead for both Bumrah and the Indian team management.

Realistic Possibilities:

Retires from Tests by early 2026 to focus on ODIs and T20s.
Takes an extended break, returning only for select marquee Test series.
Plays reduced Tests, similar to how Jimmy Anderson was managed in recent years.

Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Jasprit Bumrah is not the same bowler he was in 2018–2022, and the transition phase has already begun.

💬 Closing Thoughts

Jasprit Bumrah’s story is one of grit, adaptation, and brilliance. Whether or not he continues in Test cricket, his legacy is secure. But as fans, we must accept that heroes age, and bodies give out—even for warriors like Bumrah.

If the Manchester Test turns out to be one of his last, it won’t diminish the joy he brought to millions. For now, let’s enjoy every over he bowls—because the next one could be his last in whites. 🕊️🏏🇮🇳