Jasprit Bumrah given choice for rest or if he wants to play in 3rd Test at Rajkot.
Star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has garnered significant attention since claiming the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings on Wednesday, February 07, displacing his compatriot Ravichandran Ashwin. Bumrah’s remarkable performance, including a match-winning 9/91 against England in Visakhapatnam, propelled him up three places in the rankings.
Having participated in four consecutive Tests since December 26, 2023, there are discussions within the cricketing community about the need to manage Bumrah’s workload. Reports suggest that the team management is considering resting him for the upcoming third Test scheduled to commence on February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The decision regarding his participation will be based on a report from the medical team assessing his workload, which will then be reviewed by the selection committee. Ultimately, the final call rests with Bumrah, who will be given the autonomy to decide whether he feels fit to play.
Bumrah’s impact on the ongoing series against England has been substantial, with his pace and variety proving challenging for the opposition batsmen. Leading the wicket-taking charts in the series, he has claimed 15 wickets from four innings at an impressive average of 10.66 and an economy rate of 2.76. His exceptional figures of 9/91 in a single innings during the second Test in Visakhapatnam marked one of the standout performances of his career, further solidifying his stature as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket.