Jasprit Bumrah makes his grand return to India’s playing XI for the Lord's Test, joining Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj in the pace attack. India has made just one change to the line-up. Ahead of the match, Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant addressed the pre-match press conference and spoke about facing Bumrah, not as a batter, but as a wicketkeeper.
Pant on Bumrah: Accurate, Sharp, and Tough to Keep to in English Conditions
Pant began by praising Bumrah’s accuracy and sharp cricketing mind.
"I think everything. I think about how accurate he is, the way his mind works. I think it's just amazing," Pant said.
When asked about what it's like to keep wickets to Bumrah, Pant admitted it’s more challenging than it appears, especially in English conditions.
"I think it's more difficult for the wicketkeeper behind the wicket than for a batsman, I guess, especially in England."
Pant explains what it's really like to keep to Bumrah in this old video captured during Border Gavaskar Trophy 2025
Pant Shares His Batting Mindset: "One Ball at a Time"
He went on to explain his batting mindset and how he prepares for the opposition.
"I try to have a very clear mindset when I'm batting. Just playing one ball at a time, that is something which has really helped me," said Pant.
"What the other team is thinking, yes, I do have an idea of what they want me to do... You have to make your own plans and just play the game."
Pant hinted that Bumrah was likely to play, but remained non-committal, saying the final call would depend on pitch conditions.
"Discussions are still going on. But we will get to know by tomorrow (Thursday). Sometimes the wicket changes colour, and the moisture will also become less. We have to see the wicket and take a call on how the wicket is doing." said pant
Bumrah Returns Fresh at Lord’s
In reality, Bumrah was rested at Edgbaston specifically to keep him fresh for the Lord’s Test. He made an immediate impact after England chose to bat first, sharing the new ball with Akash Deep.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah Returns at Lord’s for Third Test With Big Records in Sight
The conditions at Lord’s seem different from the first two Test at Edgbaston. That pitch had good bounce and carry in the first innings, whereas the Lord’s surface appeared softer early on. The ball was staying low in the first few overs below knee height which forced India’s slip cordon to adjust their positions.
England’s approach has been cautious so far, and while the surface is offering some lateral movement, but the sunshine could harden it up, potentially turning it into a batting-friendly wicket.
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