The Indian Express reports that as part of a workload management plan, Team India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested for the second Test against England, which is set to start on July 2 at Edgbaston. Despite being let down on the field by his teammates several times, Bumrah—who just recently rejoined red-ball cricket after a protracted absence due to a back ailment—bowled 24.4 overs in the first innings at Leeds and took a superb five-wicket haul, his 14th in Tests.

Poor fielding and inconsistent support from the bowling group were two of the main factors that contributed to India's five-wicket defeat in the Headingley Test. In particular, Bumrah's command and threat were clear, especially considering the lack of consistency and power in the other pace attack, which included Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur.

In the first innings alone, Bumrah had three catches dropped off his bowling, and opener Harry Brook was granted three respites before finally being dismissed for 99.

Notwithstanding the defeat, India intends to exercise caution regarding Bumrah's condition. Bumrah will be rotated and will not participate in all five games, head coach Gautam Gambhir had stated before the series.

Following the defeat in Leeds, Gambhir stated, "We need to back Bumrah and Siraj because they have talent, even if there is not much experience in the line-up if we leave them out."

"One bowler in this pace attack has played four Tests, one has played two, and one has never played a Test."

The headache grows more severe in Bumrah's absence

The club management is hoping to keep Bumrah for the remainder of the series, since the third Test at the legendary Lord's is set to take place just four days after the conclusion of the second. But his absence will leave a gaping hole in an already weak bowling squad.

Siraj, who had a quiet game in Leeds, is expected to be the head of the assault. It might be necessary for India to bring back Arshdeep Singh or think about adding a spinner to Kuldeep Yadav.

The absence of Bumrah may also increase the pressure on skipper Shubman Gill, whose bowling changes and field placements were analyzed during the first Test. The focus is now on how the visitors regroup, since India is behind 0-1 in the five-game series.

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