Sangakkara Questions India's Strategy: Was Bumrah Rested for Lord's Test at Series' Expense?

India captain Shubman Gill (L) and Jasprit Bumrah (R) speak during a nets session in England. (AP/PTI)

The decision by the Indian team management to rest Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston has ignited a debate within cricketing circles. With India already trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, this move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly directed at head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Despite a week-long interval between the first and second Tests, the team opted to adhere to a pre-determined strategy of limiting Bumrah to just three appearances in the series. This decision has raised eyebrows among former players, including prominent figures like Ravi Shastri, Dale Steyn, and Kumar Sangakkara.

India implemented three changes to their playing XI for the Edgbaston Test. Akash Deep replaced Bumrah, while Nitish Reddy stepped in for Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar took Sai Sudharsan's place. Additionally, Karun Nair was promoted to the number three batting position.

The timing of Bumrah's rest is particularly contentious, given the high stakes of the match and India's recent underwhelming Test performance. The team has suffered seven defeats in their last nine Tests since September of the previous year, managing only one victory and one draw.

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara has openly questioned the rationale behind Bumrah's exclusion. He implied the situation warranted a more flexible approach.

"It's interesting to understand how the decision is being made and who makes it? Is it after a consultation with the players or the physios? It depends on whether the Lord's Test is more important than the series? The series is on the line. If we see the score, it's an even day, perhaps a little bit more tilted towards England with the five wickets down. So I would have expected the coach to have gone to Bumrah and say 'Yes, we thought you might play the 3rd and the 5th Test, but we're going 1 and 2. Take a look if you can play the third if you can, because then you've got two weeks off before the next one," Sangakkara commented on Sky Sports.

Some speculate that Bumrah's rest is a precautionary measure to ensure his availability for the prestigious Lord's Test. However, critics argue that with India facing a series deficit, his presence in the Edgbaston Test could have been pivotal in averting a potentially damaging 0-2 scoreline.

Sangakkara also highlighted the possibility that the numerous changes to the playing XI reflect the mounting pressure on the team management due to the team's recent struggles.

"It's not just a reaction to the last Test. I think there is a bit of chat about the last 9-10. Seven losses, one win, one draw. There is a little bit of baggage as well to turn that pattern around. So there was a lot of pressure and they were looking at this game and thinking 'alright, what can we do?' and they ring in all the changes," Sangakkara concluded.