After propelling India to victory with a Player of the Match performance in Visakhapatnam, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the upcoming 3rd Test in Rajkot. With 32 intense overs under his belt after 25 just days earlier, selectors recognize the value of a recharge.
Mohammed Siraj, fresh off his own break, is poised to lead the attack in Bumrah’s absence. Their workload management partnership has become even more crucial given Mohammed Shami’s delayed return from injury rehab.
Skipping the middle Test would allow Bumrah to refresh mentally and physically before the series climax. As coach Rahul Dravid noted, with inexperienced batsmen, Bumrah’s brilliance alleviates pressure. Preserving him for the long haul is vital.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s comeback also remains shrouded in uncertainty due to a family emergency that has reportedly taken him overseas. Dravid stated the team would connect with Kohli on his availability amidst whispers of an impending second child.
Kohli’s absence strips India of gravitas and experience to complement its youth. While KL Rahul may return from injury, India would no doubt welcome Kohli reinforcing its batting ranks when able.
For now,workload management means India’s attack operates with reduced star power. But the selectors have demonstrated prudence in individualizing players’ comebacks to optimize long-term contributions when it matters most.
