While Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test at Old Trafford remains a major talking point in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Indian fans have good reason to be hopeful. History shows that India has, on several occasions, managed to take 20 wickets in a Test without Jasprit Bumrah in the lineup.

India Taking 20 Wickets in a Test Without Jasprit Bumrah

Despite being the leading wicket taker in Test for India among active pacers, Bumrah’s absence hasn’t always spelled doom. In fact, from Brisbane to Edgbaston, India’s bowling attack has often stepped up thanks in part to rising stars like Mohammed Siraj, among others.

Each of these matches highlighted India’s ability to dismiss the opposition twice without relying on their premier fast bowler, showcasing the depth and versatility within the bowling unit. It was a clear indication that the team’s success isn’t dependent on a single player, no matter how accomplished he might be.

Related Article：Why India’s Win Record Without Jasprit Bumrah Doesn’t Tell the Full Story

India’s SENA Test Wins Without Jasprit Bumrah Since 2018 🇮🇳🔥 pic.twitter.com/5PmGAc4qT5

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 6, 2025

Brisbane 2021 – The Gabba Breach (vs Australia)

The Gabba Test in 2021 was a historic moment one that defined India’s bench strength and belief. With Jasprit Bumrah, the leading wicket taker in Test for India, ruled out, there were concerns about India’s ability to take 20 wickets on an Australian surface. But Mohammed Siraj, playing just his third Test, shouldered the responsibility beautifully. His second-innings five-for helped India dismantle the hosts.

#TeamIndia win the Gabba Test by 3 wickets. Rishabh Pant shines with a match-winning 89*.

Scorecard – https://t.co/bSiJ4wW9ej #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/AfrfOiRyUy

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 19, 2021

Siraj wasn’t alone he was backed by debutants like T Natarajan and Washington Sundar, who bowled with grit and determination. Shardul Thakur also made a vital all-round contribution, delivering with both bat and ball. India’s successful chase of 328 on the final day was built on the foundation laid by a bowling unit that dismissed Australia twice without Jasprit Bumrah in the ranks. It was a powerful reminder that India’s bowling arsenal could deliver match-winning performances even in the absence of their premier pace spearhead.

Chattogram 2022 – Spin to Win (vs Bangladesh)

In this match against Bangladesh, India relied heavily on its spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. The team dismissed the hosts twice on a turning track, winning by 188 runs. The pacers were barely involved, and yet the result was never in doubt. Kuldeep Yadav was particularly impressive with his variations and control, while Axar applied relentless pressure from the other end. It was a dominant display of spin bowling, reaffirming India’s adaptability and depth in unfamiliar conditions.

India captain KL Rahul wins the toss and elects to bat in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. #BANvIND | #WTC23 | 📝 https://t.co/9ddVDesT0I pic.twitter.com/fll20e46GU

— ICC (@ICC) December 14, 2022

The pacers were barely involved, and yet the result was never in doubt. Kuldeep Yadav was particularly impressive with his variations and control, while Axar applied relentless pressure from the other end. It was a dominant display of spin bowling, reaffirming India’s adaptability and depth in unfamiliar conditions.

Mirpur 2022 – Unadkat’s Redemption (vs Bangladesh)

The second Test of the same tour also saw India deliver a clinical bowling display. With Bumrah still out, India managed to dismiss Bangladesh twice. Jaydev Unadkat, making a comeback after 12 years, joined forces with Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin to keep the pressure on. The result? Another Test win sealed by taking 20 wickets in a Test without Jasprit Bumrah and another reminder that even without the leading wicket taker in Test for India, India’s bowling lineup is a force to reckon with.

Excitement levels 🆙

Gearing up for the #BANvIND Test series starting tomorrow 👌#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/YZD1A9N565

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 13, 2022

Unadkat’s disciplined left-arm seam created early breakthroughs, while Ashwin’s guile in the fourth innings broke the back of Bangladesh’s resistance. Together, the trio showcased the variety and experience in India’s attack, once again proving their ability to adapt and succeed without their pace spearhead.

Roseau 2023 – Ashwin’s Caribbean Carnival (vs West Indies)

India’s dominance in Roseau against the West Indies was defined by one man—Ravichandran Ashwin. Bumrah missed the tour, but India didn’t blink. Ashwin picked up a 5-wicket haul in the first innings and bettered it with 7 in the second. The result was a massive innings victory, with all 20 wickets in a Test without Jasprit Bumrah once again being taken comfortably. Though the pitch suited spin, it didn’t take away from the fact that India delivered even without their leading wicket taker in Test for India.

Ashwin’s control, variation, and ability to exploit even the slightest turn made life miserable for the West Indies batters. With solid support from Ravindra Jadeja and the pacers chipping in when needed, India’s attack looked complete, efficient, and entirely capable of thriving in Bumrah’s absence.

Edgbaston 2025 – Siraj and Akash Deep Shine (vs England)

This recent clash in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy might just be the most satisfying one yet. With India trailing in the series, Jasprit Bumrah chose to rest. The move caused alarm bells to ring, given his importance to the team’s plans. But Mohammed Siraj stepped up yet again.

Mohammed Siraj on a roll with a brilliant five-wicket haul in Edgbaston 🙌#WTC27 | #ENGvIND 📝: https://t.co/Av3A67xTry pic.twitter.com/KxkAnS2gHM

— ICC (@ICC) July 4, 2025

Siraj bowled with rhythm and aggression, while Akash Deep matched him stride for stride. The pair carved through England’s batting order twice, giving India their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston. This match was a proud addition to the list of games where India bagged 20 wickets in a Test without Jasprit Bumrah. It was also a match where Mohammed Siraj staked further claim as India’s pace spearhead-in-waiting.

Related Match：ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test of the India tour of England series on 07/02 at 03:30 PM IST

Conclusion：A Bowling Legacy Beyond Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah’s status as the leading wicket taker in Test for India among active fast bowlers is well-deserved. However, these five matches clearly demonstrate that India’s bowling strength extends far beyond one individual. With the fiery emergence of Mohammed Siraj and a solid mix of pace and spin options, the team has consistently shown it can bowl out the opposition twice even when Bumrah is not in the XI.

Whether he plays at Old Trafford or is saved for the decider, the stats and the results offer a strong assurance: India knows how to win, with or without its ace. Currently trailing 2-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, India heads into the fourth Test at Old Trafford with Shubman Gill leading the side as captain. Yet, the ability to take 20 wickets in a Test without Jasprit Bumrah has become more than just an exception it’s now a testament to the team’s growing bowling depth.

Even without the leading wicket taker in Test for India, India has consistently found ways to dominate with the ball, thanks to contributions from players like Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and others. It’s this flexibility and resilience that make India a formidable force in Test cricket today.