'Don't know it was mismanagement or...': De Villiers questions Jasprit Bumrah's availability for all 5 Tests vs England

Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Tests against England. (PTI Photo)

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah in two of the five Test matches during a high-stakes trip in which India is vying for the coveted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has shocked the cricket community. Bumrah's nearly full participation in the IPL 2025 for the Mumbai Indians just weeks ago has raised doubts about the reasoning behind the move, which head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed citing workload concerns.

The difficult conditions in England, where seam and swing rule, are ideal for Bumrah's skill set. Many have questioned whether the team's greatest weapon is being underutilized at a moment when history is on the line as a result of the decision to restrict him.

Not holding back, famed South African batter AB de Villiers added fuel to the escalating controversy. On his YouTube channel, de Villiers blasted the Indian think tank's decision, claiming it was the result of potential poor management.

“He’s probably the top bowler in the world in all formats right now,” de Villiers stated. “But in my opinion, Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game. This is the series you want your best players fit and firing for all five matches.”

Comparing South Africa’s approach to managing Dale Steyn's workload, de Villiers highlighted how the Proteas would rest their star pacer during less important T20 and ODI assignments, saving him for important Test matches.

“That’s what we used to do with Dale (Steyn). Rest him in lesser important T20 and ODI series and get him ready for the big Test series against Australia, England, and India away from home… New Zealand to a certain extent, depending on the rankings at that time,” he added.

De Villiers questioned why the IPL was being used as a "warm-up phase" rather than giving priority to this important red-ball series, despite some claiming that Bumrah's recent comeback from injury and post-surgery rehabilitation may have been the reason.

“So, I don’t know if it was mismanagement or perhaps because he recently got back from injury, sort of saw the IPL as the warmup phase,” De Villiers said.

“Maybe the surgeon advised against five Tests, and that’s understandable,” de Villiers conceded. “But if not, it’s a decision that needs introspection. This isn’t just any bilateral—it’s India vs England in England. It doesn't get bigger, except maybe the WTC final.”

Bumrah's style of sharp pace bowling is ideal for the Edgbaston ground, which is renowned for its bounce and seam movement.  India might be at a tactical disadvantage if he doesn't play in the second Test there.

Although Gambhir may have a long-term goal of protecting India's valuable assets for ICC events in the future by proactively limiting Bumrah's outings, the current campaign could be derailed as a result.

Although promising, India's pace bench lacks Bumrah's track record of winning games. Leadership, consistency, and experience are just as important on high-pressure away tours as sheer pace, and few players are as good as Bumrah in all three areas.