Ace Pacer Jasprit Bumrah Departs India's Test Squad Midway

In a surprising development, India's ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the national Test squad ahead of the fifth and final match against England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on August 1, 2025, stating that Bumrah will no longer be a part of the team for the series finale at The Oval.

Bumrah, who had taken 14 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 26.00, was not included in the playing XI for the final match. Instead, India opted to go with Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj as their three seam bowlers.

The sudden departure of the 31-year-old pacer has left a void in India's bowling attack. Bumrah had played a crucial role in the team's performance, picking up a five-wicket haul in the series opener at Leeds and another fifer in the third Test at Lord's.

In Bumrah's absence, the onus will be on the likes of Siraj, Krishna, and Shardul Thakur to step up and lead India's bowling charge in the crucial series finale. The team will also be without the services of regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who was ruled out of the match due to a fractured toe.

KL Rahul has been named the vice-captain for the fifth Test, taking over the responsibilities from the injured Pant. The team will be looking to end the series on a high note and secure a series victory against the hosts.