Bumrah's Rest for Lord's Test Draws Fire: Sangakkara Questions India's Series Priorities, Cites Team 'Baggage'

India's decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, their key pace bowler, for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston has ignited a storm of controversy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing considerable criticism from various cricket experts regarding this strategic move.

India captain Shubman Gill (L) and Jasprit Bumrah (R) speak during a nets session in England. (AP/PTI)

Trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, India had a week's respite between the first and second Tests. Surprisingly, the team management adhered to their predetermined plan of limiting Bumrah to just three Tests, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from prominent figures like Ravi Shastri, Dale Steyn, and Kumar Sangakkara.

India made three alterations to their playing XI for the Edgbaston Test. Akash Deep replaced Bumrah, Nitish Reddy stepped in for Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar took Sai Sudharsan's place. Additionally, Karun Nair was promoted to the number three batting position.

The choice to rest Bumrah has been particularly questioned, considering the magnitude of the match and India's recent underwhelming Test performance. The team has suffered seven Test defeats since September of the previous year, managing only one victory and one draw in their last nine outings.

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara has openly questioned the rationale behind Bumrah's exclusion, implying that the circumstances demanded a more flexible approach.

"It's interesting to understand how the decision is being made and who makes it? Is it after consultation with the players or the physios? Does the Lord's Test take precedence over the series itself? Remember, the series is on the line. The score reflects a balanced day, perhaps leaning slightly towards England given the five wickets they've taken. I would have anticipated the coach approaching Bumrah and suggesting a reassessment of the initial plan, considering the importance of securing victory in the current matches," Sangakkara commented on Sky Sports.

The primary justification for resting Bumrah appears to be safeguarding his fitness for the upcoming Lord's Test. However, critics contend that with India already behind in the series, his presence at Edgbaston could have been pivotal in preventing a potentially damaging 0-2 deficit.

Sangakkara further highlighted that the numerous changes within the playing XI might indicate the mounting pressure on the team management due to the team's recent setbacks.

"This isn't merely a reaction to the previous Test. There's likely been considerable discussion about the preceding 9-10 matches, the seven losses, the single win, and the draw. There's a sense of needing to break this pattern. Consequently, significant pressure exists, leading them to meticulously analyze this game and explore every possible adjustment," Sangakkara concluded.