Ahead of Day 2 of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval on August 2, 2025, the BCCI announced that Jasprit Bumrah had been released from India’s squad as part of a planned workload management strategy. Bumrah was not included in the playing XI, and the absence was confirmed officially by the cricket board.

Despite his omission, Bumrah had been India’s leading wicket‑taker in the series, claiming 14 wickets in three Tests, including two five‑wicket hauls, and bowling a total of 119.4 overs at an average of 26. Team management, including assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, had made clear that Bumrah would be rested for two Tests in order to manage his fitness and sustain performance levels.

On Day 2, young Indian pacers—Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna—each claimed four wickets, triggering a dramatic collapse in England’s first innings from 109/1 to being all out for 247. Following the session, Siraj recounted a light-hearted video chat with Bumrah shared via BCCI platforms:

“I asked Jassi bhai, ‘Why are you leaving? Who will I hug when I take five wickets?’ He replied, ‘I’m here, you take your five wickets.

Siraj finished with figures of 4/86, including key scalps such as Joe Root and Harry Brook, and now leads the series wicket columns with 18 wickets overall. His comments reflect the strong camaraderie and mutual respect within India’s pace battery.