Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20Is as India crash to 0-4 defeat vs England

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from India’s T20I series against England and Ireland has been cited as a key reason for the team’s twin whitewashes, with former selector MSK Prasad insisting the head coach wasn’t handed the best squad.

India lost both T20I series 0-2 to Ireland and 0-4 to England in June 2025. All-rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Jasprit Bumrah were missing from the touring squads-Pandya due to fitness issues, Bumrah rested for the shortest format. The defeats sparked criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir, but Prasad pushed back.

Prasad told PTI on 14 July that Bumrah’s absence deprived Gambhir of a proven match-winner. “We cannot put the onus on the head coach alone,” Prasad said. “At the same time, just because we won tournaments doesn’t mean it’s only Gambhir who inspired the team.” He argued the next T20 series-with Bumrah back-should be the real test.

Prasad wants a full-strength side to judge Gambhir’s leadership. “When we play the next T20I series with the whole side, including Bumrah and Pandya, then we can talk about who is inspiring whom,” he said. India’s next T20Is are scheduled for late 2025.

Prasad also questioned the axe on Sanju Samson after one poor run. “Dropping Sanju was a big mistake,” he said. “He’s the best player in English conditions, the World Cup Player of the Tournament.” He added debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s early exposure caused “unrest” in the XI, with pressure swinging between dropping Samson and axing Vaibhav.