Jasprit Bumrah is set to return to international cricket after being rested for the recent Test against Afghanistan and the T20I series against Ireland and England. The Indian pace spearhead has been managed carefully by the team management to ensure he remains fresh for the demanding Test calendar ahead.
Although Bumrah skipped the T20Is, he has been included in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The series begins on July 14 at Edgbaston and could mark his first appearance in the 50-over format since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.
Despite his return in ODIs, Test cricket remains Bumrah’s primary focus. The fast bowler has already begun preparations for India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to start on August 15. With an important World Test Championship campaign underway, India are keen to have their premier pacer at peak fitness.
On Sunday, Bumrah shared a series of pictures from his training session on social media. The images showed him bowling with the traditional SG red-ball, indicating that he has already shifted his attention towards the upcoming red-ball assignments after completing his recovery and rest period.
Bumrah last featured in a Test match during India’s home series against South Africa in November 2025. India lost that series 0-2, but Bumrah continued to be one of the team’s standout performers. In his Test career so far, he has played 52 matches and claimed 234 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.79 and a strike rate of 42.8.
Jasprit Bumrah Eyes Strong Comeback After Difficult IPL 2026 Campaign
The 32-year-old was last seen in competitive action during IPL 2026, where he endured one of the toughest campaigns of his career. Representing Mumbai Indians, Bumrah managed only four wickets in 13 matches while averaging 102.50. He also conceded runs at an economy rate of 8.36, well below the standards he has set over the years.
Following the IPL, Bumrah stayed away from competitive cricket to focus on recovery and preparation for the international season. The break has allowed him to work on his fitness and bowling workload, with the Indian management determined to avoid overburdening their pace spearhead ahead of a packed schedule.
India’s Test series against Sri Lanka will begin at the Galle International Stadium on August 15. The second and final Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23. After completing the Sri Lanka tour, India will travel to New Zealand for a two-match Test series in Wellington and Christchurch.
The upcoming Tests are crucial for India’s hopes in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Shubman Gill’s side currently occupies fifth place in the standings with four wins, four defeats, and one draw. Australia and South Africa lead the table, leaving India with little room for further slip-ups.
With nine WTC Tests still remaining in the cycle, Bumrah’s return could prove vital for India’s qualification hopes. Consecutive series victories against Sri Lanka and New Zealand would significantly improve India’s position in the standings and keep them firmly in contention for a place in the World Test Championship final.