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Bumrah most likely to take Prasidh Krishna’s place in playing XI for Lords test

09-JULY-2025, 06: 10 PM As the much-anticipated Lord’s Test between India and England approaches, team sources suggest that Bumrah is all set to return to the playing XI, replacing Prasidh Krishna. The Indian pace spearhead, who has been gradually working back to full fitness, is now being viewed as a crucial weapon on the swinging pitches of England, especially at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The decision to bench Prasidh Krishna and bring back japrit  is being seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Indian bowling attack, which will be key in the second Test of the series. While Prasidh has shown promise, his performance in the opening match at Nottingham did not meet expectations, prompting a re-evaluation of the bowling combination.

Why Bumrah : Inclusion is a Game-Changer

Bumrah : Unique Bowling Style Suits English Conditions

One of the primary reasons for Bumrah’s possible return to the XI is his proven ability to exploit English conditions. With his distinctive action, pinpoint yorkers, and ability to generate late movement,   top-order batsmen around the world.

Lord’s, with its mild slope and history of assisting swing bowlers, plays perfectly into Bumrah’s hands. His previous performances in England, including a memorable spell at the same venue in 2021, have cemented his place as a go-to bowler in overseas Tests.

India’s Need for Experience and Control

While Prasidh Krishna is undoubtedly talented and quick, his lack of experience in red-ball cricket at the international level has shown. In contrast,  

Team management and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey have reportedly leaned toward Bumrah as a more stable option, especially as India seeks to bounce back and take control of the five-match series.


Bumrah : Fitness and Form Update

Return from Injury Now Behind Him

After being sidelined due to a recurring back injury,

His fitness was further tested in practice sessions, and sources from the BCCI have confirmed that he is 100% ready for the challenge. This allays concerns that plagued India during the World Test Championship cycle, where his absence was significantly felt.

Strong Practice Sessions Ahead of Lord’s Test

According to team insiders, Bumrah has bowled with exceptional pace and accuracy in the nets leading up to the Lord’s Test. His efforts during India’s practice match at the County Ground impressed selectors and coaching staff alike.

Video snippets released by the BCCI showed him getting the ball to move sharply under cloudy conditions—a sign that he is back to his best and ready to take over the reins of India’s pace battery once more.


Tactical Reasons for Dropping Prasidh Krishna

Performance in First Test Under Scrutiny

Prasidh Krishna, though talented, struggled with line and length consistency during the Nottingham Test. He bowled short at times, allowing England’s middle-order batsmen to counter-attack and regain control. His economy rate raised concerns, especially during crucial passages of play.

Despite his potential, the current series demands precision and experience—qualities that   in abundance. Team India is unlikely to take further chances in such a tight series, making this tactical shift imperative.

Lord’s Pitch Demands Accuracy Over Raw Pace

Historically, the Lord’s pitch rewards bowlers who can pitch the ball up and exploit lateral movement. Bumrah, with his mastery of fuller deliveries, is better suited to utilize the conditions compared to Prasidh, who relies more on bounce and short-of-length bowling.

With England fielding a batting lineup that includes players like Root, Stokes, and Bairstow, India’s strategy will focus on early breakthroughs—something Bumrah is often counted on to deliver.

Expert Opinions on Bumrah’s Expected Return

 Former Cricketers Back Bumrah’s Inclusion

Several former Indian cricketers, including Zaheer Khan and VVS Laxman, have openly endorsed Bumrah’s return. Zaheer noted in a recent interview, “Bumrah offers that X-factor India desperately needs in overseas conditions. His accuracy and mental toughness will be crucial at Lord’s.”

Analysts also argue that in high-stakes games like the Lord’s Test, experience must take precedence over experimentation—another factor favoring Bumrah.

 England Camp Preparing for Bumrah Threat

Reports from the English camp suggest that they are anticipating jasprit return and are preparing accordingly. England’s batting coach has acknowledged that facing Bumrah in helpful conditions will be a challenge, especially for young batters like Harry Brook and Zak Crawley.

This also underscores Bumrah’s psychological edge—his presence alone shifts momentum and forces the opposition to rethink their strategy.


Conclusion: Bumrah’s Comeback Could Tilt the Series

If included in the playing XI for the Lord’s Test, jaspritcould be the game-changer India needs. His inclusion will not only bolster the Indian bowling attack but also bring much-needed balance and control to the unit.

As fans and pundits await the final team announcement, all signs point toward a well-calculated and much-anticipated return of India’s pace spearhead. With  

Source : ANI

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