Former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the fourth Test at Old Trafford is a major boost for India as they seek to level the five-match series. With England leading 2-1, India find themselves in a must-win situation at a venue where they’ve never tasted victory. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Bangar said Bumrah’s inclusion adds “ammunition” to the bowling attack, especially with bowler-friendly conditions expected in Manchester.
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“Jasprit Bumrah increases the strength of any team, especially the Indian team,” Bangar said on JioHotstar. “With his presence, I think the team has the ammunition needed to win and level the series.”
Bangar highlighted how the break between matches helped manage Bumrah’s workload. “The itinerary is spaced out. The gap between the third and fourth Test is enough for any player to recover.” With other pacers — Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Reddy, and Akash Deep — ruled out, India may turn to uncapped Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj or go back to Prasidh Krishna. Bangar leaned toward Prasidh. “You need a bowler who can extract bounce in Manchester. Prasidh has done enough and has taken key wickets. If you don’t play him now and wait till The Oval, you won’t get a clear idea about his Test future.”
Bangar also touched on the inclusion of vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who had suffered a finger injury at Lord’s. “Pant’s availability as a wicketkeeper is a very positive sign because it helps preserve the team’s structure,” said Bangar. “He thrives on the big stage, enjoys pressure, and staying engaged behind the stumps can help him focus better. If he’s keeping again, it shows he’s fully fit, because India won’t risk playing someone who isn’t ready.”
