Team India’s key pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to skip the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 starting on September 09 (Tuesday) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The right-arm pacer was recently rested for India’s ongoing fifth test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at The Oval.
Earlier, Bumrah said that he would play only three out of five matches in the current test series against England to prioritize his workload management.
However, the latest reports reveal that the 31-year-old would not take part in the Asia Cup that will be played in a 20-over format in the next month. Rather, he would prefer the tests over the T20Is by participating in the 2-match test series against West Indies at home, scheduled between October 02 (Thursday) to October 14 (Tuesday).
So, this latest news leaves the selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well as the entire Indian cricket team management clueless.
BCCI Source Reveals Latest Update: Bumrah to Skip Asia Cup 2025!
One of the closest sources to the BCCI revealed the selection process to the Press Trust of India (PTI) and said there are fewer chances for Bumrah to take part in the 20-over format:
“Yeah! It would be a tough decision. As Jasprit Bumrah enjoys playing test cricket, he is likely to give preference to the longest format. Also, India’s position in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table is at stake.
However, he can play the T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled in January 2026, which could also provide a perfect practice for him before the T20 World Cup.
Suppose Bumrah takes part in the Asia Cup 2025, and if India makes an entry into the final, then there is no chance for him to play the opening test of the 2-match test series against West Indies in Ahmedabad.
Certainly, the question arises whether Bumrah should play against the West Indies. If not, he can make an appearance in the Asia Cup 2025 after a one-month break and then compete against South Africa in the 2-match test series at home, scheduled between the 14th to 26th of November this year.
This is one such tricky decision that Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir will have to take,” the BCCI source told.
Two Possible Scenarios Left of Jasprit Bumrah
Currently, there are two choices available for India’s all-format bowler Jasprit Bumrah. First, he should avoid his participation in the Asia Cup 2025 to return for the 2-match test series against South Africa this year, which plays a huge role in the World Test Championship points.
Alternatively, the veteran pacer might opt out of the red-ball series against the West Indies. This could help him gain enough rest and carry out his preparation for the white ball contests, such as the T20I series against New Zealand scheduled between January 21st to 31st of January 2026.
In other words, the 20-over series against the Black Caps could be a preparatory phase for him before the 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in the same year. With the ICC’s high-profile tournament coming up, it is unlikely that Bumrah will feature in the ODI set-up to avoid taking up additional burden.
How Did Jasprit Bumrah Perform Throughout the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025?
Out of 3 test matches, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 119.4 overs in 5 innings and claimed 14 wickets at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 51.28. He claimed 5-wicket hauls twice in this series, including his best bowling figures of 5/74.
However, Bumrah adhered to his commitment by playing three out of five tests in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025. It includes the opening clash at Headingley, the third test at the Lord’s, and the fourth test at Old Trafford.
Shockingly, in the series decider test at The Oval, the experienced pacer was excluded from the playing XI with Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep pairing up with Mohammed Siraj to bolster the fast bowling attack.
Huge Blow for India as Jasprit Bumrah Set to Miss Another Big Tournament
Since 2022, Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t been able to participate in four big tournaments due to injuries. He suffered with back injury during the 50-over series against England, which forced him to stay out of action for the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup in the same year.
After undergoing a back surgery in January 2023, the fast bowler not only missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) but also the highly crucial World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in the same year.
In January this year, Bumrah sustained yet another back injury in the last test of the 5-match test series against Australia in Sydney. As a result, he was sidelined for a few months and missed out on being part of India’s squad that triumphed in the Champions Trophy 2025 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
Suppose Bumrah misses out on the Asia Cup 2025, then this could mark his fifth instance of staying out of action in a major tournament. However, the official confirmation from India’s star pacer remains pending, and he has to provide complete clarity about his participation in the forthcoming days.