India plans to rest lynchpin Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test of the five-match series against England in Ranchi. After defeating England by a record 434 runs in Rajkot, India leads the series 2-1.
Bumrah’s workload management is India’s main concern heading into the Rajkot Test, as he is expected to represent the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. Then he will lead India’s bowling attack in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies.
Bumrah, 30, has bowled more than 80 overs in each of the series’ three matches. With 17 wickets, he leads the series. Given the Indian conditions, spinners were expected to steal the show, but Bumrah’s reverse swing drew international attention to the venerable art of fast bowling in the Indian subcontinent.
The Indian cricket team will leave for Ranchi on Tuesday (February 20). However, Bumrah is likely to drive home on Monday. Ahmedabad is four hours’ travel from Rajkot.
Who will likely replace Jasprit Bumrah in India, Playing 11 for the 4th Test?
With Bumrah scheduled to rest, Mukesh Kumar is expected to play the fourth Test in Ranchi as India’s second pacer. However, if the Ranchi surface helps spinners from Day 1, India may choose to go with four spinners and one pacer in Mohammed Siraj. Given his lower-order batting skills, Washington Sundar could get a game.
Will KL Rahul return to India Playing 11 in Ranchi?
When the BCCI announced the roster for the rest of the series, KL Rahul’s name was included subject to fitness. However, the Karnataka hitter failed to demonstrate his fitness before the third Test in Rajkot. There is currently no news about his availability for the fourth Test in Ranchi.