The Indian cricket team will quickly shift to Test cricket after the Asia Cup 2025, with a two-match series against the West Indies starting on October 2. The West Indies team will be visiting India for this series. Given the close proximity to the Asia Cup final, which concludes just three days prior, the availability of key players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah is under scrutiny. The focus is particularly on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has communicated his willingness to play in the series to the BCCI.
The selection of the Indian team for the Test series, which begins on October 2, will take place on September 24. The series is part of the World Test Championship, making every point crucial for India. Considering the significance of the series, India is keen to field a strong team. The presence of a star bowler like Bumrah is expected to enhance the team’s capabilities, which has led Bumrah to offer his availability.
Reports suggest, based on BCCI sources, that Bumrah is available for the two Test matches scheduled in Ahmedabad and New Delhi. The first Test will be held in Ahmedabad, only three days after the Asia Cup final in Dubai. The selection committee, under Ajit Agarkar, will have to decide whether to rest Bumrah for the initial match, the entire series, or just include him for the second Test.
Bumrah’s decision to be available is significant, especially because he participated in only three out of five Test matches during the recent England tour. His workload management sparked debates, with questions raised about the team management’s handling of the star bowler. If Bumrah is keen to play this time, the selection decision will be fascinating. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the pitches in Ahmedabad and Delhi usually favor spin bowlers, which may limit Bumrah’s bowling opportunities.