3 Players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in India's Test team

India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah may soon hang his boots from Test cricket, according to former India batter Mohammad Kaif. As India is taking on England in the fourth Test in Manchester, Kaif pointed to Bumrah’s fitness struggles, especially a dip in his pace, from regularly bowling at 140 kmph to hovering around 130–135 kmph.

Kaif believes Bumrah’s body is no longer able to support the intensity of red-ball cricket. The 31-year-old speedster, who has taken only one wicket in Manchester so far and conceded more than 100 runs for the first time in this format, was seen holding his ankle.

Bumrah had been scheduled to play just three Tests this series to manage his workload. However, Kaif mentioned that Bumrah's retirement from the format might not be far off. Bumrah has played 48 Test matches so far and has been a dependable bowler, and his exit from this format will leave a huge void within the bowling arsenal. 

3 players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in Test cricket

3. Akash Madhwal:

With Jasprit Bumrah reportedly set to retire from Test cricket, Uttarakhand pacer Akash Madhwal could come out to be India’s next red-ball pace option. The 31-year-old has already shown moments of brilliance in the IPL, most notably his sensational 5/5 in the 2023 Eliminator for Mumbai Indians, matching Anil Kumble’s best IPL figures for an Indian. Madhwal started competitive cricket at the age of 24 after quitting engineering, and impressed domestic coaches like Wasim Jaffer and Manish Jha.

His IPL performances and ability to bowl with the new and old ball, he could be an asset on the Test side. In 14 First-Class games, he has bagged 16 wickets at an economy of 3.49. Meanwhile, in 17 IPL games, he has managed to pick 23 wickets. While Madhwal's age could be a point of concern, his ability could do wonders for the team.