3 players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the India Test squad

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has hinted that Jasprit Bumrah might be nearing the end of his red-ball career. Speaking during the fourth Test between India and England in Manchester, Kaif noted a visible dip in Bumrah’s pace and form, suggesting that his body may no longer be able to endure the physical toll of Test cricket. Once known for consistently hitting speeds of 140 kmph and above, Bumrah has recently been bowling in the 130–135 kmph range. In the ongoing Manchester Test, the 31-year-old speedster has managed just one wicket while conceding over 100 runs — the first time he’s crossed the three-figure mark in a Test innings.

Adding to the concern, Bumrah was seen holding his ankle during the match, raising questions about his fitness. Kaif emphasized that Bumrah’s workload is being carefully managed, with the pacer initially scheduled to play only three matches in the five-Test series. Yet, considering the wear and tear on his body, Kaif speculated that Bumrah might soon consider stepping away from the longest format. With 48 Tests under his belt, Bumrah has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling unit, and his potential retirement would leave a significant void in the squad.

3 pacers who can be picked in the India Test squad after Jasprit Bumrah retirement

1. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, a key figure in India’s white-ball setup, was on the verge of making his Test debut during the ongoing India-England series. However, his red-ball journey hit an unexpected hurdle as he was ruled out of the fourth Test in Manchester due to a thumb injury sustained during training. The left-arm pacer earned his maiden Test call-up after consistently impressive performances in limited-overs cricket and a commendable first-class record—66 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 30.37. His stint with Kent in 2023 further sharpened his red-ball skills, especially in English conditions.

While Arshdeep has made a name for himself in T20s, claiming 97 wickets in 82 matches for Punjab Kings, his Test credentials are still waiting to be showcased. With Jasprit Bumrah reportedly nearing retirement from the format, Arshdeep could emerge as a dependable long-term option in India’s pace arsenal.

2. Vyshak Vijay Kumar

Karnataka’s Vijayakumar Vyshak is emerging as a strong contender for India’s red-ball future. The right-arm medium pacer, known for his clever variations and effective slower deliveries, has impressed with his domestic performances. In just 26 first-class matches, Vyshak has taken over 100 wickets at an average of 23.88, including three five-wicket hauls—a testament to his consistency and control.

He first came into the spotlight during IPL 2023 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he picked up nine wickets. Though he had limited game time in 2024, his potential was recognized as Punjab Kings secured him for INR 1.80 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. So far, he has claimed 17 wickets in 16 IPL appearances. Vyshak also received his maiden international call-up during India’s 2024–25 tour of South Africa but is yet to debut. If given an opportunity in the Test format, he has the tools to become a game-changer.

3. Akash Madhwal

With Jasprit Bumrah reportedly nearing retirement from Test cricket being a massive cricket update, Uttarakhand pacer Akash Madhwal could emerge as a strong red-ball option for India. At 31, Madhwal has already made headlines with his standout IPL performances, most notably a stunning 5/5 in the 2023 Eliminator for Mumbai Indians—matching Anil Kumble’s record for the best IPL figures by an Indian. Remarkably, Madhwal began his professional cricket journey at 24 after leaving a career in engineering and quickly impressed coaches like Wasim Jaffer and Manish Jha with his skill and discipline.

Known for his control with both the new and old ball, Madhwal has potential to succeed in the longer format. In 14 First-Class matches, he has taken 16 wickets at an economy of 3.49. In the IPL, he has picked up 23 wickets from 17 games. While his age might raise questions, his late-blooming talent could prove invaluable for India's red-ball future.