India pulled off a remarkable comeback in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy and drew the series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj was at the heart of the fight as he played all five Tests with relentless determination and grit that kept India alive against a strong English batting lineup. Since the series ended the focus has shifted to Jasprit Bumrah who missed two matches due to workload management. The move has sparked debate among fans and experts.

Former India captain questions Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL participation ahead of England Tests

Among the most notable voices is former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar. In a recent conversation with The Times of India he said that given the importance of the India–England Test series and Bumrah’s fragile back, the BCCI, selectors and team management should have asked him to skip IPL 2025. Vengsarkar added that if he were chief selector, he would have convinced Mumbai Indians owner Mukesh Ambani and Bumrah to sit out the IPL for the England series.

“Considering the importance of the India versus England Tests series and his fragile back, Bumrah should have been told by the BCCI, selectors and the Indian team management to miss IPL-2025. If I was the India chief selector, I would have convinced Mukesh Ambani (Mumbai Indians owner) and Bumrah that it was important to miss the IPL for the England series. I’m sure that they would have agreed to do so,” Dilip stated.

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The icon showers praises on Mohammed Siraj’s lion-hearted performance

Vengsarkar also said that while IPL runs and wickets may fade from memory, fans will remember Siraj’s lion-hearted performance in the series, the sublime batting of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar’s superb all-round display.

“Who remembers the runs and wickets taken in the IPL? However, people will remember Mohammed Siraj’s lion-hearted performance in this series, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant’s sublime batting, and Washington Sundar’s superb all-round performance,” Vengsarkar added.

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