Bumrah's Rest in Edgbaston Test Fuels Controversy: Sangakkara Questions India's Priorities Amid Series Deficit

India's decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston has ignited a storm of controversy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing intense scrutiny from cricket analysts and fans alike. With India already trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, the decision to sideline Bumrah, despite a week-long break between Tests, has been met with disbelief. The team management's adherence to a pre-determined plan to have Bumrah play only three Tests has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures such as Ravi Shastri, Dale Steyn, and Kumar Sangakkara.

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

Alongside Bumrah's absence, the playing XI saw further changes 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 decision to rest Bumrah is particularly perplexing given the high stakes of the match and India's recent underwhelming Test performance. The team has suffered seven defeats in their last nine Tests since September of the previous year, managing only one win and one draw.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has openly questioned the rationale behind Bumrah's exclusion, suggesting that the situation demanded a more pragmatic approach.

"It's interesting to understand how this decision is being made and who is making it," Sangakkara stated on Sky Sports. "Is it after a consultation with the players or the physios? Does the Lord's Test hold more importance than the series itself? Because the series is on the line."

He further added, "If we analyze the current match situation, it's fairly balanced, perhaps leaning slightly towards England with five wickets down. I would have anticipated the coach approaching Bumrah and saying, 'We initially planned for you to play the 3rd and 5th Tests, but we are currently 1-0 down. Assess your condition and see if you can play the third Test, considering you'll have two weeks of rest before the subsequent one.'"

While some speculate that Bumrah was rested to ensure his peak fitness for the prestigious Lord's Test, critics argue that his presence was indispensable to prevent a potentially devastating 0-2 deficit, especially with India already trailing in the series.

Sangakkara also highlighted that the multiple changes to the playing XI could indicate the immense pressure on the team management due to their recent string of unfavorable results.

"This isn't solely a reaction to the previous Test," Sangakkara explained. "I believe there's been considerable discussion surrounding the last 9-10 Tests. Seven losses, one win, and one draw. There's a certain amount of 'baggage' associated with reversing that pattern. Consequently, there's significant pressure, and they approached this game thinking, 'What measures can we take?' leading to a series of changes."