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"Wouldn't have played...": Siraj reveals scary details on Jasprit Bumrah's Oval Test snub

Sakshi Sharma

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP)Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP)

India’s ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has been the topic of discussion not just for his performance but also because of his fitness and workload management in recent times. The most recent backlash he faced was during the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval in August. With the series hanging in the balance at 2-1 in England’s side, Jasprit Bumrah's decision not to play did not sit well with the fans.

Mohammed Siraj backs Jasprit Bumrah

However, in an exclusive conversation with The Indian Express, fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj has come out strongly in Bumrah’s defence and revealed the extent of the risk the fast bowler would have faced had he taken the field in that match.

Siraj also stressed that the decision was not taken lightly and was made keeping India’s future campaigns in mind, including the Asia Cup 2025.

"Bumrah bhai doesn’t worry about outside opinion. He had a serious back injury and a big surgery. Had he bowled in that match, one can’t say whether he would have bowled again or not, if he had broken down. It’s that serious. That injury is very sensitive. His bowling action is very difficult. He is such a important bowler for India and his availability is so important — from Asia Cup to next year’s World Cup and so on."

"Indian fans should understand that he is the backbone of the team and be rest assured that whenever possible, he will definitely play. Jassi bhai took the perfect decision."

Bumrah had missed the final match despite playing the first three Tests in the series. The Indian team management opted to rest him and prioritise his fitness.

Siraj stepped up in Bumrah's absence

While Bumrah missed the match, Mohammed Siraj rose to the occasion and delivered one of the finest performances of his Test career. His inspired bowling helped India pull off a nail-biting six-run victory, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 and preventing a series loss.

It is important to note that Mohammed Siraj has been named in India’s upcoming ODI squad for the series against Australia, while Jasprit Bumrah has once again been rested as part of workload management. However, the 31-year-old pacer is set to return for the T20I series.