India Rest Jasprit Bumrah for Edgbaston Test, Sparking Widespread Reactions

India's decision to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Edgbaston Test has stirred strong reactions across the cricketing world. Despite expectations of his return after a break following the Headingley Test, Bumrah's name was missing at the toss — leaving fans and former players stunned.

South African legend Dale Steyn expressed disbelief in a viral social media post, comparing the move to Portugal benching Cristiano Ronaldo in a football World Cup match. “That’s just madness!” wrote Steyn, highlighting Bumrah’s crucial value to the Indian side.

India captain Shubman Gill clarified the decision, citing workload management and strategic planning: “We felt Lord’s would offer more for the seamers, so we preferred to rest him now and play him there.”

However, the reasoning failed to convince many. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports, called the decision a “shocking mistake,” while England’s Stuart Broad deemed it “cricketing nonsense.”

In Bumrah’s absence, right-arm swing bowler Akash Deep made his Test debut, though he was yet to bowl on Day 1 as India opted to bat first.

The day was otherwise dominated by Shubman Gill’s impressive century — his second in consecutive matches — guiding India to 310/5. Still, one question echoed across cricket circles: Where is Jasprit Bumrah?