Former England captain Nasser Hussain has lambasted India's decision to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against England, branding it a 'costly mistake' that could tilt the series in the hosts' favour.
Writing in his column, the Sky Sports pundit argued that Bumrah's absence removes India's most potent weapon against England's batting lineup, particularly on surfaces offering assistance to seamers.
Why Bumrah's Absence Could Prove Pivotal
Hussain highlighted how Bumrah's unique angle of delivery and ability to reverse swing the old ball makes him particularly dangerous in English conditions. 'When you've got a bowler of Bumrah's quality firing on all cylinders, you simply don't leave him out,' Hussain wrote.
India's Rotation Policy Under Scrutiny
The criticism comes amid growing questions about India's rotation policy for fast bowlers. While workload management is important, Hussain suggested that in a tightly contested five-match series, teams can't afford to rest their match-winners at crucial junctures.
'Test matches in England can turn quickly with one spell of quality fast bowling,' Hussain noted. 'India may come to regret not having their premier strike bowler available when the conditions were ripe for him to make an impact.'
Historical Precedent Adds Weight to Argument
The former England skipper drew parallels with previous tours where key players being rested had backfired. He recalled instances where teams prioritised rotation over winning positions in series, only to see momentum shift decisively.
With the series poised at 1-1 after two Tests, Hussain's comments add fuel to the debate about how modern teams balance player welfare with competitive demands in an era of packed international calendars.
