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"Why Was It Not Kept A Secret?" Ex-Opener On Bumrah's Call To Play 3 Tests On England Tour

Debashis Sarangi

Jasprit Bumrah won't play all Tests on ENG tour [Source: AP]Jasprit Bumrah won't play all Tests on ENG tour [Source: AP]

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the Indian think tank's decision to issue clarity over Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the ongoing Test series against England. As it has already been revealed, Bumrah is expected to play at most three out of five Tests on the England tour. 

Chopra Slams Bumrah And India For Not Maintaining Secrecy

Much prior to the commencement of the series, Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian team management confirmed that the bowler wouldn't play all five matches of the series. 

Chopra believes India shouldn't have revealed the ultimate call around Bumrah's participation, as it has given the English side a massive mental edge over the visitors. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated that had India kept the matter a secret, England wouldn't have had an opportunity to form their strategies in advance. 

"Bumrah said he will play three matches only, and I am thinking whether it was required to publicise it. Why was it not kept a secret? We don't announce our team as well. So why was it necessary to reiterate it repeatedly before the start of the tour that he would play three matches only? Let them guess. You play whichever Tests you wish," Chopra was quoted as saying by India Today. 

The former opener also highlighted how England would benefit from Bumrah's absence in the upcoming matches, considering the fast bowler's red-hot form and recent bowling exploits in the Leeds Test. 

"If you play the second as well, you will play one of three. So, suddenly, the opposition gets into a great frame of mind that Bumrah, your biggest strength, is also not there. You can prepare pitches accordingly," he added. 

Bumrah had an outstanding start to the England tour, rattling the opposition with a sensational five-wicket haul at Headingley. However, despite his bowling exploits, India suffered a five-wicket defeat in the Test, with England taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the series.