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Proving all the speculations right, Jasprit Bumrah has not been selected for India’s upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan. India will play a one-off Test against Afghanistan followed by a 3-match ODI series.
To this end, on May 19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the teams for both formats. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the entire series.
Ajit Agarkar told the reason for ignoring Jasprit Bumrah
During the press conference, when the Ajit Agakar-led committee was announcing the teams, questions were raised as they left out the star pacer. Agarkar mentioned that they have kept Jasprit Bumrah out of the teams due to workload management, and he will be back in action when the Men in Blue tour England.
Speaking to the media, Agarkar said, “Bumrah will be back when we go on the England tour. He is working on his workload.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management is under question
Jasprit Bumrah had to play back-to-back matches for India in multiple formats because of the ICC T20 World Cup. Bumrah performed consistently well during the tournament. With a short break after joining the tournament, he was set to join Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2026 season. Like Team India, Bumrah is also an important player for Mumbai Indians.
IPL 2026 saw a rare poor spell from the leading fast bowler. On April 20, Bumrah took his first wicket of IPL 2026. Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudarshan was dismissed. For a golden goose. He took a wicket during his 6th match of the season after not taking any wicket in 5 matches.
The seamer, mostly known for his mastery of line and length, also plundered the extra runs. Jasprit Bumrah’s poor form has forced some cricket fans to express concern over his workload management. Bumrah also has a history of back problems. To protect the premier bowler, the board has already started a specially designed workload management program for him. The main reason behind managing Bumrah’s workload is to make him available for important tournaments.
Both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested for the one-off Test match against the Afghanistan cricket team. In Du’s absence, Prasidh Krishna will be in charge of leading the fast bowling line-up.
Bumrah will return for England series
India will travel to England for a 5-match T20I series, followed by a 3-match ODI series. As mentioned by Ajit Agarkar, Jasprit Bumrah will be back in the team again during the important series.
India men’s England tour 2026 schedule
- July 1: 1st T20I – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham, 11 PM IST
- July 4: 2nd T20I – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, 7 PM IST
- July 7: 3rd T20 match – Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 11 pm IST
- 9 July: 4th T20 match – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 11 pm IST
- July 11: 5th T20 Match – Utility Bowl, Southampton, 11 pm IST
- July 14: 1st ODI – Edgbaston, Birmingham, 5:30 pm IST
- July 16: 2nd ODI – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 5:30 pm IST
- July 19: 3rd ODI – Lord’s, London, 3:30 PM IST
Read more: “Justice for Oaqib Nabi”: Fans angry over Oaqib Nabi being dropped from Afghanistan Test despite impressive performance.