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Lord’s Awaits as India Eyes Lead with Bumrah Set to Return

July 9, 2025, 3:19 pm

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has kicked off with intense competition as India and England are tied 1-1 in the ongoing five-match Test series. In the first Test, England took an early lead with a remarkable five-wicket chase on the final day.

However, India made a powerful comeback in the second Test, even without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with outstanding batting, while Akash Deep delivered a career-best performance with the ball.

Bumrah’s Rest Sparks Debate, but India Prove Critics Wrong

Before the second Test, there was intense debate over resting Bumrah, especially as India were trailing in the series. Critics questioned the decision. But in Leeds, Bumrah’s absence didn’t hurt India. On a flat pitch favoring batters, India’s bowlers still shined.

Bumrah had impressed earlier with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Yet, India stuck to their plan and responded with their biggest overseas Test win by run margin—a huge 336-run victory.

Gill and Akash Steal the Show in Second Test

Gill dominated the batting charts, scoring over 400 runs in the match. Meanwhile, Akash Deep picked up 10 wickets, helping India clinch a massive win. The team silenced critics, and discussions about team selection faded for the moment.

But ahead of the third Test, selection debates have resurfaced, especially with Bumrah set to return.

Lord’s Pitch and Bowling Dilemma

The upcoming match will be played at Lord’s, where early pitch visuals suggest conditions may favor fast bowlers. But experts warn that the pitch might change by Thursday’s toss.

England head coach Brendon McCullum has openly said he wants a pitch with “more pace, more bounce, little bit of sideways movement.”

India’s fast bowling unit has shown depth. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep impressed at Edgbaston, while Prasidh Krishna made a stronger showing in the second innings of the second Test. However, he may make way for Bumrah’s return.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Position Remains Uncertain

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has not played a single game in this tour. Despite being a good wicket-taking option, he may again sit out if the pitch supports pace over spin.

Batting Line-up May Remain Unchanged

India dropped B Sai Sudharsan in the second Test and are expected to retain the current batting order. Karun Nair had starts in both innings but failed to convert them into big scores. Still, he may be given another opportunity.

Nitish Reddy, who replaced Shardul Thakur in Birmingham, failed to impress with either bat or ball. The team may consider bringing Thakur back into the lineup.

India’s Likely XI for the 3rd Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur / Nitish Reddy / Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Nasser Hussain on Jasprit Bumrah: India’s Benchwarmer Becomes Lord’s Trump Card

July 8, 2025, 8:34 pm

Ewen England captain Nasser Hussain may be impressed by the way the Indian team performed without Jasprit Bumrah in Edgbaston, and now the ace pacer will return to action fresh for the Lord’s Test. The selectors and the team management have already decided that Bumrah, who took a fifer at Leeds, will play just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir chose to rest for the Edgbaston match although there was a 7-day interval between the first two matches.

Edgbaston Rest Decision Faces Backlash, Then Applause

The decision to rest Bumrah came under intense criticism from fans and experts alike on Day 1, with most questioning the timing. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, however, came out in great style, filling the gap in the pace spearhead’s absence. Their exemplary performance not only shut the critics but also justified the team management’s move. With India winning comprehensively, the decision to manage Bumrah’s workload turned out to be a masterstroke in the end.

Nasser: Jasprit Bumrah is India’s Trump Card for Lord’s

Hussain claimed that India will go into the Lord’s Test with the ace card in Bumrah, who will be itching to get his name on the Honours Board.

“You feel like India have manoeuvred it well. People were critical of them leaving Jasprit Bumrah out and how they were going to take 20 wickets without Bumrah – well they have done that on a very flat pitch at Edgbaston. Now they have their trump card coming in on a ground (Lord’s) that he has bowled well at before and a ground at which he wants to get on the Honours Board after two weeks of rest,” Hussain said on Sky Sports’ podcast.

Hussain: Tough Decisions Await Stokes with Archer, Atkinson Back

The ex-English captain also highlighted that the Lord’s encounter will be a great challenge for Ben Stokes to select the perfect bowling attack with the return of Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer into the team.

“England have got to come in with either tired bowlers or, if they leave their tired bowlers out, they have got to come in with two bowlers who haven’t played recently in Gus Atkinson or haven’t played a Test match in four years in Jofra Archer. Stokes’ tiredness comes not only with the on-field but the off-field. That is the thing with leadership of a Test side that you should never underestimate. That is why Shubman Gill, with all the questions about Bumrah for Edgbaston, everything would have ended up at his door,” he added.

Team India Shows Strength on Day 1, But Bumrah’s Absence Sparks Team Balance Concerns

July 3, 2025, 8:58 am

Shubman Gill’s vital 114 runs at position four anchored India’s innings on day one, allowing the team to a respectable 310/5. Even with the good show, the young batsman might not be too pleased, considering larger team issues.

England Exhibits Bowling Improvement

England decided to bowl first under almost ideal batting conditions, mindful of India’s good performance at Headingley. The English bowlers showed significant improvement, with Chris Woakes recovering from a poor outing at Headingley, maintaining consistency, and almost achieving more wickets.

Pace bowler Brydon Carse bowled at good pace and aggression despite a flat pitch, while captain Ben Stokes skippered acutely and removed the crucial wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Overall, England appeared to be picking up steam, while India appeared to be uncertain.

India’s Team Selection Sparks Debate

India‘s selection of the team caused a stir before the first ball was bowled. The biggest miss was Jasprit Bumrah, who was always going to play only three Tests in the series. But holding him back at this point baffled many, particularly because there was a week’s gap between the first and second Test—sufficient time for Bumrah to recover from the previous efforts.

With India in need of all the help after their defeat at Headingley, the lack of their world-class fast bowler might prove too expensive. On a surface which provided no help, Bumrah’s capability of making breakthroughs might have been priceless.

Mysterious Blend of Players in the Team

India’s overall team make-up also seemed to be baffling. Following Headingley, where India neither adequately supported their batting nor bowling resources, the answer was to double down on doing essentially the same thing. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar were brought into the side, adding depth to the tail’s batting but potentially diminishing the top order and failing to bolster the bowling attack.

This strategy tries to mix batting and bowling but can make the team lack a direction. Whether this risk is worthwhile or not is yet to be seen.

Strong Start but Shaky Foundations for India

India’s beginning to this Test was resolute, but the uncertain team selection and the absence of Bumrah can compromise their bid to mount a comeback in the series. It has a lot to go before it can face England effectively, addressing such issues.

Brett Lee Responds to Neeraj Chopra’s Javelin Praise, ‘Javelin Throw? I’ll Leave That to Neeraj!’

July 1, 2025, 11:29 am

Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra recently praised former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, suggesting he could have been a solid javelin thrower. In a chat with JioStar during the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, the Tokyo gold medallist and 2024 Paris Olympics silver winner said, “I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years.”

Brett Lee’s Humble & Humourous Response

Brett Lee, known for his fiery pace and lethal yorkers, responded with grace and humility on X (formerly Twitter). “I did throw the javelin back in my schooling days, but nowhere near what Neeraj does & continues to do,” he wrote.

😂 I did throw the javelin back at my schooling days, but nowhere near what Neeraj does & continues to do.
Very tough on the elbow. I have however admired what this fine athlete can do and wish him well 🔥 🥇 https://t.co/fbbpKzd4bj

— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) June 30, 2025

The Aussie quick also revealed why he didn’t pursue javelin as a career. “Very tough on the elbow. I have, however, admired what this fine athlete can do and wish him well,” Lee added, acknowledging the sport’s physical demands.

Brett Lee on Trying Javelin with Bumrah

In a light-hearted turn, Brett Lee shared a fun wish. “I would like to try javelin with Jasprit Bumrah too, and hope he teaches me some bowling skills. While bowling and javelin are both throws, they are very different. I would like to learn from Bumrah,” he said. This shows Brett Lee’s love for cricket and field sports overall.

Meanwhile, Neeraj himself expressed interest in other throwing sports. When asked if he’s ever tried bowling in cricket, he replied that he’d love to try baseball pitching someday.

Brett Lee and Neeraj Chopra are two athletes who have been at the pinnacle of their respective sports. For fans to see them interact is inspiring and shows how they treat their counterparts with the utmost love and respect.

Neeraj Chopra, who is at the peak of his career right now, seems to be focused on maintaining his top form.

Jasprit Bumrah Overused? Surprising Stat Settles the Workload Controversy

June 28, 2025, 3:30 am

There have been reports in the last few days that India pacer Jasprit Bumrah might miss the 2nd Test against England, which will begin on July 2 in Birmingham. Bumrah bowled 44 overs in the first game of the series, which India lost despite being in a strong position for the most part of the first four days.

Jasprit Bumrah was India’s best bowler by a country mile, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Bumrah’s potential absence implies that India, who are already down 0-1 in the series, have a crisis on their hands.

Gambhir Confirmed Jasprit Bumrah Would Miss Two Tests

While there have been calls made to include Bumrah, India head coach Gautam Gambhir before the team’s departure to England had confirmed that Bumrah will miss two of the five Tests due to a workload issue.

Staggering Workload of Jasprit Bumrah Since 2024

Bumrah has picked up 78 Test wickets in 15 matches since the start of 2024, but there’s no denying the fact that Bumrah has been the most overworked bowler in the world.

Most Overs Bowled by Pacers Since 2024

For the uninitiated, Bumrah has bowled 410.4 overs in that time, the highest by any pacer in the world. Second-placed behind him is Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who has bowled 362.3.

Second on the list of bowlers with the highest number of wickets (54) in the format since last year is England’s Gus Atkinson. However, he has bowled just 328 overs.

Among Indian bowlers, Mohammed Siraj has also bowled 355.3 overs, having played as many number of matches as Bumrah. Still, he has taken 14 fewer wickets despite bowling 27 overs more than Atkinson.

Most Overs Bowled by Pacers in Tests (Since 2024)

Jasprit Bumrah – 410.4 (78 wickets)
Mitchell Starc – 362.3 (48 wickets)
Pat Cummins – 359.1 (51 wickets)
Mohammed Siraj – 355.3 (41 wickets)
Gus Atkinson – 328 (55 wickets)

Siraj to Lead in Bumrah’s Absence

In the overall tally, only Ravindra Jadeja among Indian bowlers has bowled 400 or more overs (400.1).

Siraj’s record is slightly worrying, given that he will lead India’s bowling effort at Edgbaston if Bumrah misses the game.

Siraj’s output was far from satisfactory in Headingley, though he was slightly unfortunate with those DRS decisions and dropped chances.

Bumrah Shines in Leeds Test, Reflects on Brook’s Dismissal as “Fate”

June 23, 2025, 10:24 am

Jasprit Bumrah continued his outstanding form in the first Test between India and England at Leeds. He bowled 24.4 overs and picked up five crucial wickets, conceding just 83 runs and delivering five maiden overs. His spells were sharp and consistent, making him the standout bowler of the innings.

Bumrah vs Brook: A Battle of Grit

One of the most exciting contests during the innings was between Bumrah and England batter Harry Brook. Although Prasidh Krishna eventually dismissed Brook for 99, Bumrah admitted the Englishman gave him a tough time.

Speaking to the media after Day 3, Bumrah said, “I think fate had decided on 99 for him, because he got dropped a few times after (the no-ball) as well.”

Brook began Day 3 confidently. He smashed Prasidh Krishna for a six in the first over, then followed it up with a beautiful cover drive for four off Bumrah. He looked set to score a century—his second at home and ninth in just 26 Tests. But when he reached 99, he mistimed a pull shot off Krishna, and Shardul Thakur caught him in the deep.

A Lucky Escape on Day 2

Brook had some luck on his side too. At the end of Day 2, he mishit a hook shot off Bumrah and was caught—but the delivery turned out to be a no-ball, saving him from a duck. Later, he was dropped on 46 and 82, with Rishabh Pant missing an edge behind the stumps and Yashasvi Jaiswal failing to hold a tough chance in the slips.

Still, Bumrah gave credit to Brook for his batting approach. He said, “He assessed the conditions well, he fancies his game and plays an aggressive style of cricket. He makes you think he can play an aggressive shot but he can shut up shop as well.” Bumrah also added, “Full credit, he played really well and we’ll try to have better plans in the next innings.”

Match Situation After Day 3

Brook’s near-century helped England post 465 runs, a strong reply to India’s first innings score of 471. At Stumps on Day 3, India reached 90/2, leading by 96 runs heading into Day 4.

Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Wasim Akram’s Record, Becomes Most Successful Asian Bowler in SENA

June 22, 2025, 9:30 pm

Jasprit Bumrah once more emphasized his place as among the all-time great fast bowlers of contemporary cricket, shattering another record of yesteryears in foreign conditions. In Day 3 of the first Test vs. the English at Headingley, Bumrah claimed an exquisite five-wicket haul, producing a match figure of 5 for 83 from 24.4 overs. Though India mustered just a narrow six-run advantage having dismissed England for 465, Bumrah’s individual brilliance dominated the day.

14th Test Five-For and a Kapil Dev Milestone

Bumrah’s 14th five-for overall in Test and his 12th overseas was also a milestone in terms of Indian bowlers’ record. He became only the second to match the great Kapil Dev for most away wickets by an Indian. But that was not the only milestone he registered in Leeds.

The crowning glory of Bumrah’s show was a record-breaking milestone he overtook Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the leading wicket-taking Asian bowler in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries). Bumrah now tops the select list with 150 scalps in SENA conditions, moving past Akram’s 146.

Jasprit Bumrah vs Wasim Akram: A Tale of Two Legends

The success is not only statistical it demonstrates Bumrah’s consistent supremacy in among the most challenging conditions available to subcontinental pacers. In 32 SENA Tests, Bumrah has taken 150 wickets at a mind-boggling average of 21.03. His tally features nine five-fors and figures of 6 for 33.

For perspective, Akram had picked up 146 wickets in 32 games at 24.11, with 11 five-fors and a best of 7 for 119. Bumrah’s figures now represent the gold standard for Asian pacers abroad.

Jasprit Bumrah Turning the Tide for India

In the match, Bumrah’s spells proved to be decisive. He got rid of England opener Zak Crawley early and then came back to shatter a dangerous partnership by sending Ben Duckett back with a peach of a ball. His constant control and pace variation provided India with much-needed support on a flat surface.

SENA Breakdown: Dominance Across Continents

Bumrah’s SENA figures are awe-inspiring: 64 wickets in 12 Tests in Australia at 17.15; 39 wickets in 10 Tests in England at 26.02. These figures tell volumes about his versatility and talent in opposing conditions.

Earlier during the game, India had registered a colossal 471 in their first innings, led by tons by Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134). England’s Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) produced a fightback later, but India had already established the tone.

Pat Cummins Surpasses Bumrah to Become Leading Wicket-Taker in WTC 2023–25 Cycle

June 12, 2025, 10:36 pm

Australia captain Pat Cummins made history at Lord’s in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa on Thursday by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC 2023–2025 cycle, surpassing India’s Jasprit Bumrah’s tally of 77 wickets. On the same day, he also became the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals across formats, overtaking teammate Mitchell Starc’s tally of 11 wickets.

Six-Wicket Haul of Pat Cummins Floors South Africa

Cummins bowled a dramatic 6/28 in 18.1 overs, tearing through South Africa’s batting order as they collapsed for a mere 138 in their first innings. The incendiary spell took an early grip on the final for Australia, with Cummins taking all six wickets to fall on Day 2.

Pat Cummins Joins Australia’s Elite 300-Wicket Club

The milestone day also witnessed Cummins become the eighth Australian bowler to achieve 300 Test wickets. He joined a star-studded list that consists of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc. He recorded the achievement by bowling out Kagiso Rabada.

Best Bowling Figures by a Captain at Lord’s

Cummins’ 6/28 is currently the captain’s best bowling performance in Tests at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He surpassed Bob Willis’ 6/101 against India in 1982 to achieve the feat. The spell was not only productive but also rich in symbolism, as it came at cricket’s spiritual home.

With this achievement, Cummins tied the record of nine five-wicket performance as a Test captain with the great Richie Benaud. He is now only behind Imran Khan, who tops the list with 12 five-wicket performances. Cummins’ leadership and consistency continue to raise his profile in world cricket.

One of the Best of the 2023–2025 Test Cycle

In the current 2023–2025 WTC cycle, Cummins has been the top performer. He has grabbed 79 wickets in 18 games at an average of 23.03 and a strike rate of 41.53, with four five-wicket hauls and six four-wicket hauls. His dominance is evident even compared to great bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc.

Pat Cummins’ recent achievement is just the icing on his legacy. As captain and first-choice bowler, he has never disappointed in the big moments. As records fall and his side prospers, Cummins is solidifying himself as one of the greatest captains of fast bowlers in cricket history.

Bumrah’s Yorker to Sundar Turns the Game for Mumbai Indians

June 1, 2025, 2:19 pm

Jasprit Bumrah once again rose to the occasion when it mattered most. In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Eliminator match, the Mumbai Indians pacer delivered a game-changing performance against Gujarat Titans, helping his team win by 20 runs.

Despite Gujarat’s aggressive start, with Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar attacking fiercely, Bumrah stayed calm. In his third over, he clean-bowled Sundar with a deadly yorker. The ball struck Sundar’s leg stump, leaving him sprawled on the ground, unable to connect.

This breakthrough shifted the game’s momentum. After Sundar’s dismissal, Mumbai Indians tightened their grip and eventually sealed victory. Bumrah finished with remarkable figures—4 overs, 27 runs, and a crucial wicket.

“Bumrah Is Like an Antidote”: Varun Aaron

Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron praised Bumrah on ESPNcricinfo, calling him the ultimate problem-solver for any bowling attack. “He’s like an antidote, a vaccine that can cure any illness, which a bowling side can have. If you want wickets, he comes and gets you wickets. If you want to stop runs, he stops runs for you. Man, what a bowler,” Aaron said.

He also recalled a key moment during the match. As Gujarat batters were piling on runs, Mumbai’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene appeared concerned and tried to speak to Bumrah. But Bumrah seemed unfazed. According to Aaron, “And the belief he has in his ability. You have an international coach Mahela Jayawardene, who is obviously panicking because his bowlers have suddenly started to go to the cleaners, and he just turns around and is like ‘just calm down, I’ll do the job for you’. Comes in, runs in, gets hit for a six and then gets that ball.”

A Key Figure in MI’s Comeback

Bumrah’s return to the squad this season transformed Mumbai Indians. Before he rejoined, the team was on a losing streak. But with him back in action, they bounced back with six consecutive wins.

So far in IPL 2025, Bumrah has taken 18 wickets. His consistency has powered Mumbai Indians into Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings for a place in the final.

The Yorker That Changed the Game

Aaron highlighted the difficulty of Bumrah’s delivery that dismissed Sundar. “For him to bowl from that angle is really difficult. It’s easier for him to go wide to a left-hand batter but for him to actually target that leg stump of Washington Sundar.” He added, “Washy was setting up for something wide or something in his arc, but that was just impossible to negotiate.”

Jasprit Bumrah shuts down Mahela Jayawardene with calm reply: ‘Relax, I know my job well’

May 31, 2025, 2:18 pm

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, secured a hard-fought 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 Eliminator in Mullanpur on Friday. Despite the victory, the five-time champions had to dig deep to overcome the spirited 2022 title winners and book a spot in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.

GT remained in the hunt throughout their chase of a massive 229-run target, even after losing skipper Shubman Gill in the first over. Sai Sudharsan (80) and Washington Sundar (48) kept Gujarat in contention with an 84-run third-wicket stand, pushing Mumbai to the edge.

Jayawardene’s instructions dismissed by Bumrah

As the game intensified, Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene grew visibly anxious. He, along with batting coach Kieron Pollard, attempted to communicate strategic instructions to Jasprit Bumrah, who was fielding near the boundary.

However, Bumrah made it clear he didn’t need directions at that moment. Instead, he signaled to Jayawardene to relax. On the Hindi broadcast, commentator Jatin Sapru described the moment, saying,
“Bumrah is basically saying ‘Relax, I know my job well. I am here. You stay calm and just give me a chance.'”

Bumrah displayed similar gestures earlier in the game when he interacted with Hardik Pandya, during Gujarat’s aggressive run-chase.

Game-changer over from Bumrah

Hardik Pandya brought Bumrah back for his third over in the 14th of the innings, as MI desperately sought a breakthrough. The star pacer delivered under pressure, bowling a perfect yorker to dismiss Washington Sundar, breaking the dangerous partnership.

Bumrah’s celebration reflected the importance of that wicket. Shortly afterward, Sudharsan also fell, and Gujarat Titans eventually collapsed to a 20-run defeat, ending their IPL 2025 campaign.

‘Bumrah is ridiculous’: Tom Moody hails MI pacer

In a match that saw over 430 runs scored, Bumrah emerged as the most impactful bowler. He finished with a remarkable spell of 1/27 from his four overs.

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody praised Bumrah on ESPNCricinfo TimeOut, saying,
“The 24 balls he bowls is such a threat. It is not impossible, but it is so difficult to get big overs against him. You are really playing 20 overs versus 16. He is so far ahead of the rest, it is ridiculous.”

Moody further added, “With Bumrah, he’s got that genuine wicket-taking ability. He’s pure class. The yorker he bowled, you just cannot bowl a better ball than that. That is the absolute perfect leg-stump yorker that has gone between Sundar’s legs. To a batter that is in and set, you quite often see that with a new batter, but this is a batter that is in. He’s going at 200 strike rate.”

Bumrah leads MI’s bowling chart in IPL 2025

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 18 wickets in the ongoing IPL 2025 season and continues to be Mumbai Indians’ top-performing bowler. His calm temperament and match-winning spells remain crucial as MI now head into Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.

Jasprit Bumrah Informs BCCI He Can’t Play All Five England Tests, Rookie Pacer Likely in Squad: Report

May 23, 2025, 10:44 pm

According to The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah will only play three of the five Tests against England. “Jasprit Jasprit Bumrah has already informed the board that his body can’t take the toll of more than three Test matches,” the report claimed.

Captaincy Hopes of Jasprit Bumrah Dented by Injury

All this practically puts him out of the captaincy contention. Jasprit Bumrah, now India’s vice-captain in Tests, had captained India twice in Australia, and if he did not injure his back during the Sydney Test, he was first choice to succeed Rohit Sharma as the next Test captain. But the return of a back injury that had kept him away from cricket for over one year has altered the situation.

Selectors did not want a captain uncertain about playing all matches because of workload management. Thus, Shubman Gill was said to become the leading candidate for the Test captaincy.

No Surprise in Partial Absence of Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah’s absence for all five Tests, though, should not be a big surprise. Following what transpired in Australia a couple of months back, it was but inevitable that India would not expose their fast bowlers in all forms in all five Tests of a series.

Besides Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Shami’s fitness is also a concern for India. The experienced fast bowler, who had remained out of the T20 World Cup and the Australia tour because of an ankle injury, is not said to be fit to bowl long spells in red-ball cricket and hence, may not feature in the Test team.

“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers and we can’t take chances,” a source in the board informed The Indian Express.

New Pacers Likely for England Tour

Tests, India would need to select a couple of additional fast bowlers. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been immensely impressive with the new ball in white-ball cricket and has also gained exposure of red-ball cricket with Kent in England, is most likely to be awarded his first Test call. Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, who has been included in the India A squad, is another likely candidate to be selected in the final squad of India.

This is the first high-profile announcement of the squad after retirement announcements made by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Ajit Agarkar, who is the chairman of selectors, is understood to make the announcement of the squad, which will be made up of 16 or 17 players. B Sai Sudharsan will be the new face in the Test squad as a rookie.

Ishant Sharma Names Jasprit Bumrah as Top Pick for India Test Captaincy

May 17, 2025, 10:33 pm

Seasoned pacer Ishant Sharma is supporting Jasprit Bumrah to captain the Indian side on the English tour and opined that the task can be entrusted to Shubman Gill only if the unbeatable fast bowler is not fit enough to complete the entire five-match Test series. The captaincy discussion has gained momentum after Rohit Sharma’s decision to retire from Test cricket, weeks ahead of the Indian team’s leaving for England for the series that will take place from June 20 to August 4.

“If Bumrah is fit, I would say Bumrah. That’s first choice. He is the only one who has so much experience. But if he won’t play all the five Tests matches, then obviously Shubman,” Ishant Sharma said on Saturday in response to a PTI query on Star Sports Press Room.

Bumrah’s Fitness a Key Factor

Bumrah, 31, also led India in the 2022 England Test series, rescheduled fifth Test and then in the first and fifth Test of 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. His fitness issues still linger.

The pacer had had a back surgery two years ago because of an injury caused by stress and lost a significant portion of international cricket, including India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign after he departed from the field on the second day of the Sydney Test in January. He came back to action for the IPL.

Gill, aged 25, has impressed playing as the captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has led them to sitting atop the table this season.

Ishant Sharma on Kohli’s Sudden Test Retirement

Virat Kohli on Monday retired from Test cricket, lowering the curtains on an incredible career during which he amassed 9,230 runs at a batting average of 46.85 in 123 matches, including 30 centuries.

In response to the news, Ishant Sharma admitted he was shocked by the move, particularly given Kohli’s phenomenal fitness level and discipline.

“I think he is mature. He knows what he is doing. I didn’t really talk to him after he took retirement. But everyone knows as long as you are playing, it is important to be as normal as you can be. And that is why I have friendship with Virat. We have never tried to put anything on our head,” Ishant said on the eve of their IPL match against Delhi Capitals.

“At the end of the day, we are human beings. And we are good friends. He knows what he wants in life and he must have talked to someone. That’s why he made such a big decision. Yes, I was surprised. Because he could have played for at least 2-3 years more. He could have played till 40.” Speaking further on Kohli, Ishant said, “And right now, the kind of routine he follows and everything… I am not talking about numbers that he should have scored 10,000. That is a different thing.

“Talk about fitness first. If you are fit, you can score 10,000. You can take 500 wickets. You can play as long as you want. But his fitness is the answer even at 36.”

Why Did Babar Azam Exclude Kohli & Bumrah from His World T20 XI?

May 17, 2025, 8:50 pm

Pakistan’s ace batsman Babar Azam selected his World XI in the T20 format and surprisingly, he did not name the likes of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, two of India’s all-time greats in the format. While Bumrah is just an all-format great bowler, Kohli is just as good with his batting abilities. But it was amusing to notice that both of them failed to find a spot in Babar’s XI. Since he had to choose at most two players from a single nation, the Pakistan superstar proceeded with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav while including Indian players in his team.

Babar Azam’s World T20 XI

Babar selected the team on a podcast for Zalmi TV. Significantly, he is the Peshawar Zalmi captain of the Pakistan Super League.

Take a peek at Babar Azam’s World T20 XI:

Rohit Sharma (India), Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan), Suryakumar Yadav (India), Jos Buttler (England), David Miller (South Africa), Marco Jansen (South Africa), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Pat Cummins (Australia), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Mark Wood (England).

Babar Azam’s world playing Xi 🔥 pic.twitter.com/k6xpobjVhl

— Waseem Khan Lodhi x BA⁵⁶🏏 (@iAmKhanLodhi) May 15, 2025

Babar Azam Trolled by Sam Billings

Babar Azam was lately trolled on the internet by England batsman Sam Billings using the assistance of two different records of the players in PSL.

Billings achieved the fastest half-century of PSL 2025, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls. In contrast, Babar recorded the slowest half-century of the edition, taking 47 balls to reach the mark. Billings, playing for Lahore Qalandars, got to the mark against Quetta Gladiators. Babar, meanwhile, got the unwanted record for Peshawar Zalmi against Islamabad United.

The comparative records of the two cricketers were shared by a cricket page on Instagram that was re-posted by Billings.

PSL 2025 Resumes Amid Cross-Border Tensions

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, announced on Tuesday that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will resume on May 17. The tournament’s final is scheduled for May 25.

Taking to X, Naqvi posted, “PSL X takes off where it ended. 6 teams, 0 fear. Prepare for 8 action-packed matches from 17th May, culminating in the Grand Final on 25th May. Best of luck to all teams!”

The tournament was put on hold indefinitely last week after the escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

Kohli, Rohit salute armed forces after IPL 2025 suspended amid India-Pak conflict; Bumrah, SKY join in

May 9, 2025, 8:35 pm

With growing military tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s cricketing hero Virat Kohli gave a strong expression of solidarity with the Indian Armed Forces. The conflict, which has involved missile attacks, air raid warning, and increased military activity across the Line of Control, as well as in several bordering Indian cities, has resulted in massive security issues, which also affected the IPL 2025, as the tournament was postponed on Friday.

Message to the Armed Forces by Virat Kohli

On Instagram, Kohli wrote, “We stand in solidarity with, and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times. We are forever indebted to our heroes for their unwavering bravery and heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for our great nation.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Kohli’s tweet follows Pakistan bombarding several cities along the border, among them Jammu and Pathankot, and areas in Punjab and Rajasthan. The Indian Armed Forces, however, nullified Pakistan’s attacks with greatest possible success.

Bumrah, Suryakumar Join Kohli in Showing Support for Armed Forces

India pace leader Jasprit Bumrah and T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav soon followed. Jasprit Bumrah posted on his X handle, “Grateful to our armed forces for their courage and bravery. We salute them and remain forever in their debt for everything that they do to keep us safe.”

Grateful to our armed forces for their courage and bravery. We salute them and remain forever in their debt for everything that they do to keep us safe ??

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) May 9, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav also posted on his X handle, “Massively proud of our forces and their resilience. You are the reason we stay unharmed at our homes. Big salute to your strength and determination in protecting us at borders. We thank you. Jai Hind.”

Massively proud of our forces and their resilience. You are the reason we stay unharmed, at our homes. Big salute to your strength and determination in protecting us at borders. We thank you. Jai Hind ??

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Postponed Amid Security Concerns

The cancellation of IPL 2025, after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was postponed halfway on Thursday, indicates the gravity of the situation. Due to security worries, players were evacuated from the arena as air raid alarms were raised in surrounding areas such as Jammu and Pathankot.

The game, which was to determine if Punjab Kings would be the first team to qualify for the playoffs, was abandoned without any alteration in the IPL points table.

Rohit Sharma Calls for Unity and Caution Against Fake News

The BCCI continues to discuss the situation with government officials. With more than a dozen league games and the knockout rounds still pending, the suspension of the IPL has raised many questions about whether or not the rest of the matches will be rescheduled or played in a neutral venue once the security situation stabilizes.

With every passing moment, with every decision taken I feel extremely proud of our Indian Army, Indian Airforce & Indian Navy. Our warriors are standing tall for our nation’s pride. It’s important for every Indian to be responsible and refrain from spreading or believing any fake…

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 9, 2025

Earlier in the day, Kohli’s remarks were echoed by fellow teammate and India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who also expressed pride in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, urging the public to refrain from spreading fake news and remain united in support of the country.

Shubman Gill May Lead India in Tests After Rohit Sharma’s Retirement

May 8, 2025, 12:59 am

Indian middle order batter Shubman Gill is the favourite to lead the men’s Test team following incumbent Rohit Sharma’s retirement on Wednesday. On a day when The Indian Express had written that the selectors had made up their minds to drop Rohit Sharma as captain due to his Test cricket form, Sharma posted an announcement on Instagram that he was hanging up his boots in Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement via Instagram

“Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years,” Rohit said along with a photo of his Test cap in an Instagram Story.

Selectors See Shubman Gill as the Ideal Successor

The senior selection panel led by ex-India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar feels that 25-year-old Shubman Gill is the best person to succeed as Test captain. But the selectors will talk to the BCCI about the same before making an official announcement. If made Test skipper, Gill’s first task will be the five-match Test series in England.

Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely to Lead Due to Workload Concerns

This article had previously written about how India’s pace spearhead and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is not likely to be assigned a leadership position on the Test tour of England beginning June-end.

The fast bowling star had led India to its sole Test match victory in the Australia tour at the beginning of the year, besides leading in two other Tests. But as Bumrah is not expected to play all the five Tests in England, as part of his workload management, the selectors had to turn to another choice.

“We want a player who will be available for all five Test matches and he (Bumrah) should be given the vice-captain’s role,” sources said.

Selectors Eye Long-term Leadership Solution through Shubman Gill

The selectors also want someone to be groomed as a future leader and with a new Test cycle in place, the selection committee is looking for a long term leader in the Indian side and Shubman Gill fits the bill.

India’s Test series against England is scheduled to kick off from June 20 with the fifth and final Test starting July 31.

Bumrah Likely to Lose Vice-Captain Role for England Tour Over Workload Concerns

May 5, 2025, 1:36 pm

India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah might not continue as vice-captain during the upcoming Test tour of England in June. The five-match series will start India’s campaign in the 2025-27 World Test Championship.

Bumrah likely to be rested for some matches

Bumrah served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the recent Test series against Australia. He even captained India in two matches — securing a win in Perth and leading the team in Sydney after Rohit opted out of the final game.

A BCCI official told the paper, “We want a player who will be available for all five Test matches and he should be given the vice-captain’s role. Bumrah won’t be playing all five matches, so we don’t want to appoint different deputies for different games. It will be better that the captain and vice-captain should be certain and play all five Tests.”

Selection committee looks for young replacement

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is now searching for a long-term option. They want someone who not only plays all the Tests in England but can also be groomed as a future captain.

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the leading names. Gill, 25, has experience as vice-captain in the ODI format during India’s recent Champions Trophy victory. Pant has also led the T20 side during a 2022 series against South Africa.

Bumrah’s injuries still a concern

The selectors remain cautious about Bumrah’s fitness. He recently returned from a back injury that sidelined him from January to April. He missed the Champions Trophy and the first half of IPL 2025 due to the same issue.

This isn’t the first time Bumrah has faced a long injury layoff. In 2022, he missed nearly 11 months due to another back injury, including the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Series to begin on June 20

India will begin their five-match Test series in England on June 20. With Bumrah possibly skipping some games, the team wants leadership stability throughout the tour.

Trent Boult Praises Mumbai Indians’ Batting After Big Win Over Rajasthan Royals

May 2, 2025, 9:51 am

Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a huge margin of 100 runs in their latest IPL 2025 match. After the win, MI pacer Trent Boult praised the team’s batting unit for setting up a strong total. MI scored 210 runs in their 20 overs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Boult said the batters gave the team a solid start, which helped them dominate the game.

“As a unit, can’t ask for much more than that. It was set up nicely by the batters. 210 was a great score on that wicket. Great all-around performance. There are a lot of combinations there, a lot of experience, and we’re doing well. 6 from 6 is great,” Boult said after the match.

Boult Talks About Momentum and Team Strategy

Boult stressed how important momentum is in T20 matches. He said success comes from sticking to the team’s plans.

“T20 cricket is about momentum. It’s delivering on the plans we’ve got in place. Lucky enough to have some experience playing here. Always a good challenge, they have a couple of boundary-hitters at the top, knew they were going to come hard.”

He also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah’s impact on the team. “(On Bumrah) Huge addition to our squad, missed out on a few games early, but he needs no introduction. Job’s done well, looking forward to the next one,” he added.

MI Bowlers Seal Big Win

MI’s bowlers delivered a top performance. Karn Sharma, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah helped the team bowl out Rajasthan Royals for just 117 runs. RR were chasing a huge target of 218.

Boult stood out with three wickets in just two overs. The win ended MI’s long losing streak in Jaipur, where they had not beaten RR since 2012. This was MI’s sixth straight win after a poor start to the season, where they lost four of their first five games.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Wife Sanjana Defends Son Angad Against Online Trolls

April 28, 2025, 12:55 pm

Jasprit Bumrah, playing for Mumbai Indians, had strong support at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday as his wife Sanjana Ganesan and their young son Angad came to cheer him during the match against Lucknow Super Giants. Bumrah made it a night to remember by picking up 4 crucial wickets, playing a key role in his team’s win, and receiving loud applause from the crowd.

During the match, photographers captured a few moments of little Angad in the stands while Bumrah dismantled the LSG lower order. Although Angad appeared on the screen for just three seconds, his brief presence quickly became a major talking point on social media. The intense online discussions upset Sanjana, prompting her to call out the trolls and critics.

Reacting strongly on Instagram, Sanjana wrote, “Our son is NOT a topic for your entertainment.”

She went on to explain that she and Bumrah have been very cautious about keeping Angad away from the negativity of social media. “Jasprit and I do everything in our power to keep Angad away from social media because the Internet is a despicable, vile place to be and I completely understand the implications of bringing a child to a cricket stadium filled with cameras, but please understand that Angad and I were there to support Jasprit and nothing else,” she shared.

Angad bumrah reaction to Jasprit bumrah wicket??#MIvsLSG

pic.twitter.com/GQHRP0HHcC

— ???????_????? (@StoneCold0008) April 27, 2025

Sanjana stressed that they have no intention of making Angad viral or turning him into an internet sensation. “We have no interest in our son being viral Internet content or national news, with unnecessarily opinionated keyboard warriors deciding who Angad is, what his problem is, what his personality is, from 3 seconds of footage,” she wrote.

She pointed out how unfair it is for people to casually throw serious terms at a toddler. “He is one and a half years old. Throwing around words like trauma and depression in reference to a baby says so much about who we’re becoming as a community and it’s honestly really sad. You know NOTHING about our son, nothing about our lives, and I request you to keep your opinions online true to that,” Sanjana emphasized.

Ending her note, she appealed for more empathy and honesty in online spaces. “A little honesty and a little kindness goes a long way in today’s world,” she added.

Reply to the people who are judging angad Bumrah pic.twitter.com/C3iKaTIWLX

— Random Boy (@Random_Dpk) April 28, 2025

Hardik Pandya Reacts to MI Loss: “Once Rohit Was Back…”

April 8, 2025, 10:27 am

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya was left disappointed after losing the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match at the historic Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Rajat-captained RCB keeps going against the narrative and breaking strongholds as after winning over five-time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk after 17 years, they have now won over five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede for the first time in 10 overs, overcoming a terrifying Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya association that threatened to run down 222 runs set by RCB.

Hardik Pandya Reflects on MI’s Narrow Loss

“It was a run-fest. The wicket was really good. I was just talking about that to myself that again we fell short with two hits. I don’t have much to say. (Was 221 par or above-par?) The way the wicket was, the bowers didn’t really have much place to hide. It came down to execution. You can stop the batters, but I don’t want to be harsh on the bowlers. It was a tough track; we did not have many options. (No. 3 position) The original skeleton of our team, Naman, was always batting down the order,” Hardik Pandya in the post-match presentation.

Rohit Sharma Returns as Impact Player

Rohit Sharma featured in the first three matches for the five-time winners in the IPL 2025, making 13 (against Chennai Super Kings), 8 (against Gujarat Titans), and 0 (against Kolkata Knight Riders) respectively before sitting out the franchise’s last match, which was played against Lucknow Sper Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Short Cameo from Rohit in Comeback Game

Having missed the previous game, Rohit featured in the 20th match of the current 18th edition of the high-paying league as the impact player. Rohit emerged onto the field during the 15th over of the RCB’s innings. When making his innings opening in this match, he scored only 17 runs in mere nine balls, which was supported by two fours and a six and at an astonishing strike rate of 188.89.

Hardik Pandya on Tilak Varma’s Grit & Bumrah’s Return

Talking about Rohit, the all-rounder clarified, “It’s just that in the last game, Ro wasn’t available, so we had to push someone up, and someone like him has the multi-dimensional game where he can come up as well and can play in the death as well. Once Ro was back, we knew that Naman would have to come down. Tilak was fantastic. Last game, a lot of things happened. People said a lot of things about it but people don’t know that he had a very nasty hit the previous day. It was a tactical call, but because of the finger that he had, the coach just felt that it was a better option for someone fresh to come and do it. Today, he was fantastic. In this sort of game, powerplays are very crucial. We were not able to get in the middle, and that put us back in the chase. It comes down to execution in the death we were not able to play those balls.”

Ultimately, the 31-year-old bowler commented on right-arm seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who was playing his initial game of the IPL 2025. He took no wickets in his four overs while conceding 29 runs at an economy of 7.20.

“Having him (Bumrah) makes any team in the world very special. He came in and did his job; we were very happy to have him. In life, never back down, and always see the positive side of it. Go out there, try to play the best cricket of your life and back yourself. We are all backing them, just hope for the result to come our way,” Hardik Pandya concluded.

RCB Player Hints at Bold Plan for Kohli, Salt Against Bumrah

April 7, 2025, 1:12 pm

On several occasions in his three year tenure with the Mumbai Indians, Tim David had encountered Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. David will probably face Bumrah on Monday, but this time as an opponent when the Mumbai Indians play the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the death overs, and with the 29-year-old Tim David likely to bat in the back-end of the innings, they are likely to face off. So, what has the RCB batter picked up from watching Bumrah in the nets that he would be using against the MI bowler on Monday?

RCB Batter Tim David’s Strategy Against Bumrah

The Australian player born in Singapore stated that he will move his toes aside as Bumrah has got a killer yorker, “I’ll just try and get my toes out of the way as he’s got a pretty lethal yorker. He’s a brilliant bowler. And when you put in big performances against the best teams, against the best players, they’re the best feelings you get as a player. So you want to be challenged by the best, and I’m looking forward to that,” said Tim David at the Sunday pre-match conference.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Comeback After Injury

Jasprit Bumrah is returning after a prolonged injury break after making a complete recovery from the lower back nerve injury he endured during the final and fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series a few weeks ago. He has sat out the first four games played by the Mumbai Indians but will very likely be bounding up to deliver the first delivery on Tuesday.

A Statement Shot and a Warm Welcome

The 29-year-old Tim David, who has represented the Mumbai Indians between 2022 and 2024, was keenly wishing that the very first delivery bowled by Bumrah against his side would result in a four or six.

“If we’re going to go deep in this tournament, we need to beat the best teams, we need to beat the best players. So you know, hopefully Boom (Bumrah’s nickname) bowls the ball in the first over tomorrow night, and the first ball goes for four or six from whoever’s batting for us,” he said.

“You know, that’ll be a statement, and it’ll be great to have him back playing the tournament because the game is better with him in it,” he added.

David mentioned it was bittersweet to come to Mumbai as he has wonderful memories playing here.

Bittersweet Homecoming for Tim David of RCB

“Firstly, yeah, it’s bittersweet coming back to Mumbai. Obviously, a lot of great memories playing here and a lot of good friends to catch up with. So that’s an interesting part of the first year of the new IPL cycle,” said Tim David, who added all RCB players are on call.

In the three games he has played till now for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Tim David has made 54 runs at a strike rate of 207.69 and has a top of 32. A big-hitting specialist, Tim David played for Singapore between 2019 and 2020 before moving to Australia. Tim David was a member of the Australian squad during the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah Joins Mumbai Indians Ahead Of RCB Clash

April 6, 2025, 12:24 pm

Rehab over, as Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Jasprit Bumrah reports back to his teammates at the franchise before the star-studded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Injury Timeline and Absence Impact

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of action since the back injury he suffered in the Sydney Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January this year. He had missed Mi’s initial few games of the season, and his absence had added a lot to the franchise’s poor beginning. With Bumrah now almost ready to return, MI’s chances of making a comeback have also been boosted big time.

Legacy and Stats of Jasprit Bumrah in IPL

Jasprit Bumrah has been the driving force behind MI’s bowling unit ever since his IPL debut in 2013. As the world’s best pacer across the formats, Bumrah has played for MI in 133 games, taking 165 wickets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mumbai Indians (@mumbaiindians)

Potential Return Dates

Though it is uncertain whether Bumrah will be cleared for the RCB match on April 7, he still has a real chance of playing the franchise match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 17.

SRH’s Nitish Reddy Excited to Face Bumrah

As a matter of fact, SRH all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is already looking forward to playing against Bumrah in the match.

“I would be grateful for the challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world right now, and facing him would be an exciting contest. If I manage to score some runs against him, I would be very happy. Competing against top bowlers like Bumrah is what makes the game exciting,” Reddy explained on JioHotstar’s Gen Bold.

Legacy of Indian Cricket Legends

“This generation of Indian cricket has been shaped by legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others. They have taken Indian cricket to new heights, and we aspire to carry forward their legacy. Players like Jasprit, Rohit and Virat are truly golden assets to Indian cricket.” he added.

MI have had a pretty normal beginning to the new season, winning only one of their first four games, which indicated the franchise missing Bumrah badly. Even the performance of old captain Rohit Sharma has been a pain for MI this season.

Jasprit Bumrah Resumes Bowling at NCA – MI Fans Hope for IPL 2025 Comeback

March 31, 2025, 6:39 pm

India’s leading fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has resumed bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, a major development in his rehabilitation. The Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer, out of action since the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Sydney, had also missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and is away from IPL 2025.

The return of Jasprit Bumrah to the nets has sparked speculation about his return, especially after Mumbai Indians’ miserable showing in the current season of IPL, losing their first two matches. A viral video of him bowling at full throttle has given fans and the MI administration a much-needed shot in the arm.

Bumrah has started bowling in NCA. Don’t know when he will get the clearance but feeling better after watching this clip. pic.twitter.com/FTpnuVoJoW

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 30, 2025

No Fixed Return Date Yet, Says Jayawardene

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene gave an update on Bumrah’s fitness, saying the pacer is going through his recovery program conscientiously. There is no definite timeline for his return, however, as the medical staff at the Centre of Excellence are keeping a close watch on his progress.

“Bumrah is going through his daily programs and has made good progress so far. But there’s no fixed timeline for his return yet,” Jayawardene said.

India Banking on Bumrah for England Test Series

Bumrah was originally included in India’s team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but was subsequently replaced by Harshit Rana, as the BCCI did not want to rush him back into competition. But India will require his services for the important upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) series against England, which begins on June 20.

With India looking to win their first Test series in England since 2007, Bumrah’s role as the frontline pacer will be crucial. His skills of swinging the ball and providing match-winning spells may prove to be the turning point for India in English conditions.

Before his injury, Bumrah had a sensational 2024. He guided India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and became the top wicket-taker of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with 32 wickets. His performance secured him withstanding honors, the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year awards.

Will Bumrah Play IPL 2025?

Mumbai Indians are eagerly awaiting Bumrah’s return, as they miss the punch of their bowling unit in his absence. His return for the remaining IPL 2025 is uncertain, but returning to the nets is a good sign. With crucial matches scheduled in the pipeline, MI fans and Indian cricket enthusiasts will be hoping for a speedy and good return.

Why MI’s Star Pacer Jasprit Bumrah Is Not Playing Against Gujarat Titans

March 29, 2025, 9:07 pm

The ace pacer of the Mumbai Indians (MI) Jasprit Bumrah is absent from their second IPL 2025 match against Gujarat Titans (GT), with skipper Hardik Pandya back in the team after a one-match ban. Pandya had missed MI’s first game but is now back to captain his team in this all-important match.

Jasprit Bumrah Still Sidelined Due to Injury

While MI welcome back their captain, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is not available. He had injured his back in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has been out of competition ever since. Bumrah also sat out the Champions Trophy and was unavailable for the beginning of IPL 2025.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene spoke about Bumrah’s availability before the match.

“Everyone is available except for Bumrah. Like I said in my last interview as well, it’s on a daily basis that he’s going through his programme. So far, everything seems okay. But there were no timelines given by NCA, so we’ll wait on that,” Jayawardene said.

MI held on to Bumrah for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, making him their most paid player this year. The team is still keeping fingers crossed about his return in the tournament.

Hardik Pandya Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl First

Pandya won the toss and decided to bowl first, referring to uncertainty about the pitch and the possibility of the dew factor as major factors.

“We will bowl first. The simple reason is we don’t know how the pitch will play, plus the dew factor. Only last year we played on black soil, otherwise we have been playing on red soil. Last year, we had the game under wraps but couldn’t finish it. The prep has been fantastic, the boys are excited and we back each other, be there for each other,” Pandya declared during the toss.

Playing XIs for the Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians

Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Mumbai Indians (MI): Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Satyanarayana Raju.

With Pandya returning to action, MI would hope to end their wait for a win during the season, while the Gujarat Titans would want to recover from their last defeat.

Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah’s Fate to Be Sealed on Deadline Day, Says BCCI

February 10, 2025, 6:55 pm

Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain as he continues to recover from an injury sustained during the Sydney Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The injury has sidelined Bumrah, and he has been consulting doctors at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, who will eventually make the final call on his availability for the marquee event.

BCCI to Finalize Decision Soon

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will determine Bumrah’s fate on February 11, the last date for squad submissions to the ICC. Bumrah has already submitted his medical scans to the NCA’s staff, who will assess his condition before holding discussions with the Indian team management. He has been included in the 15-member squad announced by the BCCI, but his fitness remains a concern.

Another report hints that the BCCI may persist with Bumrah in Champions Trophy squad too if there are any chances at all of regaining fitness in time. It can seek for a replacement by the technical committee of the tournament at a later date if his fitness does not improve.

“Even if there is 1% of chance, then BCCI might wait,” it added. They do the same with Hardik Pandya as they had to wait for nearly two weeks to get Prasidh Krishna as a replacement. Nor did they even think of looking for a replacement when Shubman Gill got dengue. Yes, those two incidents are during the campaign but the approach with Bumrah could well be no different. This is just the deadline to submit the squad and they could approach the Event Technical Committee at a later stage to seek a replacement if he fails to regain fitness,” the Times of India reported.

Harshit Rana Could Be a Potential Replacement

Reports indicate that the BCCI is considering Harshit Rana as a possible replacement if Bumrah does not recover in time. A member of the ongoing ODI series against England, Rana is gaining valuable experience on the field in each of the matches he plays, making him quite a strong candidate to step in when needed.

India will start their Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20. The final decision about Bumrah’s fitness has fans and experts on the edge of their seats as this can greatly change the dynamics of India’s bowling line-up in this tournament.

BCCI Awards 2025: Bumrah, Mandhana Stands Out; Tendulkar Wins Lifetime Achievement

February 2, 2025, 6:04 pm

On 1 February 2025, the BCCI Naman Awards 2025 were conferred at Mumbai where India’s cricketing elite is rewarded for outstanding performances in the 2023-24 season.

The glittering ceremony recognized Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sarfaraz Khan, and Asha Sobhana, among others, for their contributions to Indian cricket.

Bumrah Won Best Cricketer

The ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) after his sensational displays, especially those match-winning spells in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and other series-deciding wins.

Star batter Smriti Mandhana was declared the Best International Cricketer (Women) for her phenomenal season. She was crowned as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. Mandhana the obvious choice for the award with 4 ODI centuries to her name with an average of 57.86.

She shared a post on Instagram and commented, ‘Happy to receive the Best International Women Cricketer award at the #NAMANAwards. Thank you to BCCI for this honour! ?’

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Sachin Tendulkar Received Prestigious Award

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, on his winning the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, was given a farewell again.

Reflecting on his own farewell in 2013. Tendulkar smiled of gratefully. He shared precious advice with young cricketers to have a good time on the cricketing field.

He said, “That farewell in 2013 was overwhelming. The flood of love and affection from the nation left me speechless. When the team gave me a guard of honor, I realized it was the end of my playing days.” He further added, “I realized how rare and precious such moments are, and I advised young cricketers to cherish their time as current players.”

Special Shout Out of BCCI

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was given a special award for his splendid performances in Indian cricket, retiring in December 2024 with 537 Test wickets. That bright talent Sarfaraz Khan from Mumbai, grabbed the Best International Debut prize for explosive knocks against England and New Zealand.

Asha Sobhana impressed one and all in her debut when the youngster had a pivotal influence with the ball to make key breakthroughs against South Africa.

Big Winners of the Night

Smriti Mandhana won the Highest Run Getter in ODIs award. Highest Wickets in ODIs – Deepti Sharma. Tanush Kotian is Mumbai’s rising all-rounder. He was awarded Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments after his heroics in the Ranji Trophy win. The Mumbai Cricket Association was honored for its exceptional success across multiple tournaments.

The BCCI Naman Awards 2025 held in Mumbai on February 1. It was the celebration of Indian cricket’s finest people, honoring their dedication and excellence on the field.

Jasprit Bumrah Attends Coldplay Concert with Wife and Mother, Receives Special Shoutout | Watch

January 29, 2025, 11:50 am

Fans will cherish their memories of Coldplay’s final concert on their India tour. The audience was not only treated to a stunning performance by the legendary band, but they also caught a peek of Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah seated in the crowded stadium.

On Tuesday, Bumrah uploaded a video of his trip, showing the memorable moments he enjoyed with his family at the event. “This was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you for all the love @coldplay and congratulations on the super successful shows in India. We’ll see you soon,” he captioned the post. In the video Bumrah is seen smiling alongside his wife and mother and interacting with the band backstage.

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Coldplay Salutes Bumrah

On 26 January, Bumrah had a moment of pride as Coldplay performed a song dedicated to him in their concert. The frontman Chris Martin declared, “O Jasprit Bumrah, my beautiful brother. The best bowler in the whole of cricket. We did not enjoy watching you destroy England, wicket after wicket.”

Martin also played a clip of Bumrah’s incredible bowling performance, showcasing his sheer pace and class. Adding to the tribute, Coldplay displayed Bumrah’s signed Test jersey on stage, further exciting the crowd.

PM Modi Highlights India’s Concert Economy

The prime minister also attended the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 on Tuesday, when he said India’s concert economy has much potential that is rising. While citing the success of Coldplay’s concerts recently in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the prime minister stated that such potential exists in this sector.

“In a country with such a rich heritage in music, dance, and storytelling, with such a large pool of youth and a massive consumer base for concerts, there are vast opportunities for the concert economy. In the past decade, both the trend and demand for live events have grown. You must have seen the incredible images from the Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in recent days. This is proof of how much scope live concerts have in India,” said PM Modi.

He emphasized that with a very lively cultural scenario and a large number of youth and the growing demand for live performances, the country has great potential to become an attractive destination for global concerts. Coldplay’s sold-out shows are setting the benchmark for further growth in the concert industry of India.

‘Miracle If Jasprit Bumrah Turns Up 100% Fit’: BCCI Faces Fresh Champions Trophy Setback

January 27, 2025, 11:43 am

Reports have emerged that the hopes of Indian cricket team to win ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai might see a downfall as it would take a “miracle” for Jasprit Bumrah to 100 per cent regain fitness. Pacer Bumrah, who has been suffering from a back injury since the 5th Test against Australia in Sydney, has been consulting with Dr. Rowan Schouten in New Zealand and is scheduled to visit the country for treatment before the Champions Trophy. However, the possibility of Bumrah recovering in time seems slim, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prepare a backup.

According to the report published in Times of India, selectors are preparing Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj as backup replacements in case Bumrah doesn’t regain full fitness. “The BCCI medical team is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board had also planned a visit for Bumrah to New Zealand. But that hasn’t happened yet. The selectors know it will be a miracle if Bumrah turns up 100% fit in the given timeline,” a BCCI source told TOI.

Harshit, who is part of India’s ODI squad for the England series, could find himself in the Champions Trophy team if Bumrah doesn’t recover in time. Going by the reports, Bumrah will receive treatment under Dr. Schouten who had previously operated on him after he suffered an injury which made him miss the 2022 T20 World Cup.

“The reports will be shared with his doctor in New Zealand. The decision to send Bumrah to New Zealand will depend on the feedback. The board and Bumrah himself are not willing to push hard given his significance over a long period of time,” said a source.

Only after the entire recovery process is over, will he be decided upon by the selectors. “The selectors will only be informed if he is ready to take the field after the entire process is complete. The selectors will need to keep a backup plan ready for him. It will be a miracle if Bumrah makes it,” added the source.

Bumrah has been warned to refrain from rigorous physical exercise, and it is getting tougher for him to recover to play the Champions Trophy. The BCCI will not have too many choices left to make any changes to the selected team after February 11.

Coldplay’s Chris Martin halts concert to acknowledge Jasprit Bumrah: ‘He needs to bowl’

January 19, 2025, 2:57 pm

Jasprit Bumrah is commonly considered one of the top all-format bowlers globally. His outstanding achievements during the recently finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he took 32 wickets, earned him the Player of the Series accolade even though India lost the series to Australia. Bumrah’s fame crosses borders, as shown by Coldplay’s lead vocalist, Chris Martin, showing admiration for him.

At Coldplay’s much-anticipated concert on Saturday night at Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Martin gave a special acknowledgment to Bumrah, exciting the crowd.

This moment occurred while the audience was relishing Coldplay’s famed song *Sky Full of Stars*. Chris Martin halted the show, catching the fans off guard as he mentioned Jasprit Bumrah’s name, which elicited loud applause.

“Hold on, we have to finish the show because Jasprit Bumrah wants to come and play backstage,” stated Martin, prompting cheers from the crowd. He further joked, “He says he needs to bowl at me now. ”

Martin even participated with the audience in chanting “Bumrah Bumrah” and amusingly added, “We’ll ask him to wait 15 minutes,” before expressing gratitude to the fans and bidding them good night.

Bumrah Included in India’s Champions Trophy Squad

India’s 15-member squad for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy was unveiled on Saturday afternoon. In spite of recent back spasms experienced during the Sydney Test, Bumrah was included in the Champions Trophy squad, with his participation being contingent on fitness.

While Bumrah is set to miss the initial two ODIs against England, the team management is hopeful about his participation in the third match.

Regarding Bumrah’s condition, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated, “Bumrah has been told to off-load for five weeks, and he won’t be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting on his fitness and will know more by early February based on reports from the medical team. ”

Agarkar further mentioned, “We’ll probably get further clarity around that time. Concerning his medical condition, it’s preferable that information comes from the medical department rather than me clarifying it, but we are optimistic he will be ready to play soon. ”

Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Player of the Month for December 2024

January 14, 2025, 6:22 pm

India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.

Bumrah’s outstanding performance during India’s December 2024 tour of Australia earned him the prestigious honor, as he outperformed other nominees Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson. Throughout the three-Test series, Bumrah claimed an impressive 22 wickets at an incredible average of 14.22, becoming the backbone of India’s bowling attack.

His dominance started with a crucial four-wicket haul in Adelaide, where he played a key role in restricting Australia’s lead, keeping India within striking distance. In Brisbane, Bumrah delivered an exceptional performance, taking six wickets in the first innings, followed by three more in the second innings, resulting in a nine-wicket match haul. Despite adverse weather affecting the match, Bumrah’s efforts kept India in the hunt for the series.

In the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Bumrah once again proved his mettle, picking up four wickets in the first innings and then taking five wickets in the second innings, dismissing Australia for 234. Although India’s batting struggled, Bumrah’s remarkable bowling stood out, despite the team’s 184-run loss.

Throughout a challenging tour, Bumrah was consistently India’s standout performer, earning the Player of the Series award. His contribution further solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in world cricket. He also reached the milestone of 200 Test wickets during the series, becoming the fourth-fastest player to achieve this feat in terms of balls bowled. Remarkably, he became the first bowler in history to take 200 Test wickets at an average under 20.

For his match-winning displays, Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month title for December 2024.