Brad Hogg on Jasprit Bumrah: Former Aussie Suggests Gill, Gambhir Should Drop Star Pacer for IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg surprised cricket fans on June 16, 2025, advising India’s captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir, saying Jasprit Bumrah should rest for the first Test match starting June 20. 

Hogg believes Bumrah needs to be preserved for matches, and this could help win the five-match series. Bumrah’s back injury from the Australia tour in January 2025 is raising concerns, and Hogg’s suggestion is that Bumrah should be rested.

Brad Hogg on Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s top pacer, suffered a back injury in January 2025 during the fifth Test against Australia, causing him to miss the Champions Trophy. 

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Bumrah will rarely play all five Tests because medical advice suggests his workload needs management. Hogg agrees, calling it a risky move since India needs a strong start, having already lost to Australia 3-1.

India’s Bowling Depth Tested

Without Bumrah, India’s pace attack relies on Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, is confident, saying, “We have enough bowlers to win matches.” 

Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy, both all-rounders, add depth. However, with Mohammed Shami unfit, resting Bumrah could stretch India’s resources. Hogg believes Siraj and Arshdeep can step up at Headingley, giving Bumrah rest.

Gambhir and Gill’s Tough Choice

Gautam Gambhir hasn’t decided which three Tests Bumrah will play, saying it depends on series results. Gill disagrees with the three-match plan, noting rain or short games could let Bumrah play more. “We’ll check with physios,” Gill said. 

Hogg’s advice puts pressure on Gambhir and Gill to balance Bumrah’s health with the need to win early. India’s last Test series win in England was in 2007, making the first Test crucial.

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