Is Team India Wasting Jasprit Bumrahs Time Against West Indies?

The West Indies tour of India has officially started with the first Test, as the Windies bat first. But the real question is whether India is wasting Bumrah's time by playing him against the West Indies? With India's upcoming schedule being hectic, workload concerns arise.

Shortly after the Asia Cup 2025 final, India has now started playing the Test series against the West Indies. With players like Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and more, transitioning from T20I to Test format,. It is still argued that playing Bumrah against the West Indies is a waste of time.

Noting the fact that India will have a hectic schedule over the next few months, the availability of Bumrah remains necessary. Along with that, with the West Indies not being a strong team, fans argue that there could have been some better options.

1. Risking Bumrah for WI?

Jasprit Bumrah has undoubtedly been India's best Test bowler in this generation. Taking wickets with his own style, when the team needs them the most, shows his capability. With his bowling, it should also be noted that Bumrah is breaking records of even the generational stars.

Jasprit Bumrah in Tests:

• Innings: 91
• Overs: 1558
• Wickets: 219
• Average: 19.82
• Economy: 2.78
• 4-Wicket Haul: 7
• 5-Wicket Haul: 15

When the workload increases, also comes in front of the Indian cricket team. This was last seen in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as Bumrah injured himself in the last game. Following that, he remained out of action for several months, even missing out on the crucial Champions Trophy.

He has also missed out on several key games for the Indian team before. In 2023, he even missed playing the World Test Championship final against Australia due to an injury. Noting the pattern, it would have been better for the team to have rested him.

2. Tight Schedule for India

India also has a tight schedule from the series against West Indies till the 2026 T20 World Cup. Out of all this, the most awaited India tour of Australia. This tour will begin on 19 October, involving 3 ODI matches and 5 T20I games. With Bumrah being available for all three formats of the game, his workload increases.

India's Schedule:

• India tour of Australia, 3 ODIs: 19 October to 25 October
• India tour of Australia, 5 T20Is: 29 October to 8 November
• South Africa tour of India, 2 Tests: 14 November to 26 November
• South Africa tour of India, 3 ODIs: 30 November to 6 December
• South Africa tour of India, 5 T20Is: 9 December to 19 December

Later, India will also face South Africa at home for 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is, adding more to the workload. For the fans, it is months of cricket, but for Bumrah, it also means more workload. If he misses out on any of the Test or ODI series, it will not be good for India's pace line-up.

3. Better Choices Than Bumrah for WI Series?

There have been a number of players who have stepped up in the Indian pace line-up. Although the team is in a transition phase, playing with the young pacers would have been a better option. Akash Deep looked promising in the England tour and even gave his best performances for the team.

Akash Deep in Test format:

• Innings: 18
• Overs: 256
• Wickets: 28
• Average: 35.78
• Economy: 3.91
• 4-Wicket Haul: 1
• 5-Wicket Haul: 1

Being the hero for the team in the games where Bumrah didn't play, Akash Deep could have received a chance for the two Tests against the West Indies. Still, the Indian team has a third pacer in the form of Prasidh Krishna. If the team wants to lower the workload of Bumrah, he might be used as a primary pacer for the second Test.