India's pace ace Jasprit Bumrah has been given a break for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. He has been replaced by right-arm pacer Akash Deep in the playing eleven. While it is part of the team's workload management, it has elicited varied reactions from the experts and the fans. let's discuss whether the decision to not play Bumrah at Edgbaston is right or not. Changes from the Indian side for the 2nd Test at Birmingham 🇮🇳🔄 pic.twitter.com/KZk5fHybDa — CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 2, 2025 Also Read | Stokes plots around Pant; Moeen mentors Bashir for 2nd Test Workload Management or Missed Opportunity? Before the series, Indian management had specifically said that Bumrah would play in just three of the five Tests. After playing the first one at Headingley, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings, his absence for the second Test is a part of a rotation scheme. But even though he played so well, India lost that Test on the last day. Resting Bumrah at Edgbaston is a questionable move, particularly since India is trailing 1-0 in the series. The ground has been traditionally hard for India to win, and no Test victory here has been achieved to date. With a week-long gap between the first and second Test, it is felt that Jasprit Bumrah had sufficient time for his recovery. His expertise might have been instrumental to make India equal the series before moving on to the third Test at Lord's. Here's what Ravi Shastri said on Bumrah missingb the 2nd Test vs England: "This becomes a very important Test match" 👀Ravi Shastri on the impact of Jasprit Bumrah missing the second Test 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/df2Y7sXWDA — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2025 Also Read | Shubman Gill confirms Bumrah's availability, seeks perfect all rounder in the squad Effect on Team Balance and Morality Bumrah's absence leaves a gap in the bowling, putting additional pressure on Akash Deep, who is comparatively inexperienced. Younger bowlers in such cases are likely to feel under pressure to work too hard, and they might lose their rhythm or suffer an injury in the process. This "pick and choose" policy also affects the stability and morale of the team, as constant fluctuations in the playing XI can affect the momentum of not just a bowler, but also of the team. But those who are defending the decision suggest that with limited turnaround time between the second and third Tests, it makes sense to keep Bumrah fresh for Lord's. The famous venue calls for India's strongest lineup, and saving Bumrah for that Test can be crucial. Finally, while resting Bumrah is understandable, the timing could have exposed India at a very critical point in the series. Only time will tell whether this pays off.