'Jasprit Bumrah plays two, India lose two': Ex-England legend shuts down pre-series over-reliance on India seamer

Alastair Cook noted the surprising flatness of the pitches during the India-England Test series. He highlighted a curious trend: India lost the two matches where Jasprit Bumrah played, despite his impressive 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.
'Jasprit Bumrah plays two, India lose two': Ex-England legend shuts down pre-series over-reliance on India seamer
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: India coach Gautam Gambhir speaks with Jasprit Bumrah during a net session at The Kia Oval on July 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Former England captain Alastair Cook has made massive comment about Team India's leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who only played three Tests matches in this series and India lost two of those Tests."The fact we played on four totally flat wickets surprised me but it's produced some unblievable cricket. I've don't think I've seen two sides as spent after a five-match series as these two sides," Cook said told BBC via Test Match Special.
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"Bumrah plays two, loses two. India win the two he doesn't play. It doesn't make sense but that's cricket."For this England side, it's another step on that ladder of improvement."India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah not taking part in the series decider against England at The Oval has sparked a debate over his Test future.Considering his injury-ravaged body, it is highly unlikely that Bumrah would ever be fully available for a five-match series in the foreseeable future. The next such assignment isn't until 2027, at home against Australia.
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He made himself available for three Tests out of five in England and stuck to his side of the bargain but the followers of the game including greats like Anil Kumble were left wanting more with the series on the line in the final Test. Him being released from squad on Friday also had the tongues wagging.The 31-year-old Bumrah bowled 119.4 overs across three Tests and took 14 wickets including two five-wicket hauls at Leeds and Lord’s. India's only win of the series thus far came at Edgbaston where Bumrah was rested.

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