Jasprit Bumrah has played 48 Test matches for India. While that number may not seem huge, it’s actually quite impressive for a fast bowler like him. Fast bowling is very tough on the body — it puts a lot of pressure on the muscles, joints, and bones. And Bumrah’s unique bowling action makes it even harder on his body, especially his back.
Considering all that, playing 48 Tests in just over seven years is a big achievement — especially since he missed more than a year due to injuries. To compare, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar played only 46 Tests in 10 years due to similar injury problems.
Bumrah also plays in all three formats of the game — Tests, ODIs, and T20s — and is considered the best in the world right now. That means every Indian team wants him on their side. So, his 48 Tests are more impressive than they seem.
Will Bumrah Quit Test Cricket?
Some former players, like Mohammad Kaif, have said that Bumrah might soon step away from Tests because of fitness concerns. Kaif mentioned that Bumrah’s body might not support him the way it used to, and Indian fans should get ready to watch Tests without him.
However, there’s no official word from Bumrah on this. In fact, after the India-England series ended 2-2, Bumrah shared a post on Instagram saying he’s “looking forward to what’s next.” That doesn’t sound like someone thinking of retirement.
Still, managing Bumrah’s workload is important. Since he’s such a valuable player, it makes sense to use him smartly. For example:
- He doesn’t need to play every T20 match — just the important ones like World Cups.
- He can prepare for ODIs and T20s through the IPL.
- He can be rested during longer Test series or less important matches.
Because Bumrah is so smart and knows his game well, missing a few games won’t affect his performance much. He quickly gets back into rhythm.
How Important is Bumrah to India’s Test Team?
Interestingly, India won the two Tests against England where Bumrah didn’t play. Some people wondered if India is better without him. But the truth is, that’s just how cricket works sometimes — team form, pitch conditions, and luck can all change game outcomes.
The numbers prove Bumrah’s value:
| Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Test Wins | 110 | 14.5 | 32.1 | 2.7 |
| In Test Draws | 24 | 21.4 | 44.0 | 2.9 |
| In Test Losses | 85 | 26.2 | 55.9 | 2.8 |
Compared to other Indian bowlers, Bumrah performs better in every situation — wins, draws, or losses.
Also, when India wins Tests, their batters average 33.4 runs. But in losses, that average drops to just 21.8. This shows that batting collapses are a big reason for India’s losses — not Bumrah’s bowling.
Also See: IND vs ENG 5th Test: Sunil Gavaskar Cheers as Siraj Seals India’s Thrilling Win at The Oval
Final Thoughts
Jasprit Bumrah is a rare talent. He’s a world-class fast bowler who always performs better than most. But like any rare gem, he must be handled with care. India may not be able to play him in every match, but when they do, he always adds tremendous value to the team.
So, rather than worrying about how long he’ll play, it’s better to enjoy watching him while we still can — because players like Bumrah don’t come around often.
