The highest wicket-taker of IND vs ENG Test series, Jasprit Bumrah, is unlikely for the 3rd Test in Rajkot. While Bumrah will get a 10-day break before the Rajkot Test, considering the workload he will have during IPL 2024 in the lead up to T20 World Cup 2024, selectors and the team management are mulling further rest and have him back for the last two India vs England Tests.
Jasprit Bumrah has bowled 32 overs in four innings, bagging 15 wickets in the IND vs ENG Test series already. In the Vizag Test, Bumrah bagged nine wickets including a six-fer in the 1st innings.
Dravid-Rohit-Agarkar chat
As soon as the IND vs ENG 3rd Test got over, BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar joined India head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma on the field. The trio had a long chat.
With the squad announcement for the remaining three IND vs ENG Tests on Feb 6, Tuesday, selectors do not want to put Jasprit Bumrah under more pressure as per a Cricbuzz report.
Mohammed Siraj who was rested from the Vizag Test will rejoin the squad. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan are the two other pacers in the India squad.
Latest from India vs England Test
Selection concerns
With Jasprit Bumrah unlikely, India will be under pressure. India two other pacers in the two Tests — Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar — did not have great outings. In fact, they failed to put England batters under any pressure.
England batters have Bazballed their way to tackle the spin attack too. Hence, with Ravindra Jadeja also missing the IND vs ENG Rajkot Test, Bumrah’s absence will be the biggest concern. Virat Kohli also continues to remain uncertain as he is expecting birth of his second child.
The only good news is that KL Rahul is set to return.