Jasprit Bumrah rested for 4th Test against England in Ranchi, Kl Rahul ruled and Mukesh Kumar called up.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted to rest premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming fourth Test against England, scheduled to commence at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on February 23. This strategic move aims to manage Bumrah’s workload after his active participation in the first three Test matches.
Bumrah has been a standout performer, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 17 dismissals in three Tests, boasting an impressive average of 13.65. He has bowled a total of 80.5 overs, proving to be a formidable challenge for England’s key batsmen, including skipper Ben Stokes and Joe Root.With Bumrah on the sidelines for the fourth Test, the responsibility in the pace department is likely to fall on the shoulders of Mohammad Siraj. The Hyderabad-born pacer showcased his prowess in the first innings of the third Test, claiming a crucial four-wicket haul.In the batting lineup, middle-order batsman KL Rahul continues to be sidelined for the fourth Test. Rahul, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Hyderabad Test, also missed the second and third Tests.Additionally, Mukesh Kumar has re-joined the squad after being rested for the third Test in Rajkot. His return adds depth to the Indian bowling contingent for the crucial Test match against England.