Leg and Off: Should India rest Jasprit Bumrah for 3rd IND vs NZ Test 2024?
The ongoing Test series between India and New Zealand has been a challenging one for the hosts. The Kiwis have already scripted history by clinching their first-ever Test series on Indian soil.
The visitors have outplayed India in diverse conditions, with an eight-wicket win in Bengaluru on a moist, pace-friendly pitch and a 113-run victory on a spin-assisting surface in Pune. With these wins, New Zealand put an end to India's 18-home series winning streak, handing them their first home Test series defeat since 2012. The series, currently standing at 2-0, will conclude with the third match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
As India head into the final game, the team management would be looking to make some changes in the line-up with an aim to secure a win and salvage pride. Among the prominent considerations is resting ace fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
While Bumrah is invaluable to the team, concerns about his workload management have surfaced, given his crucial role in the upcoming tour of Australia. The key question now is - Should India give Bumrah a breather? Or will his presence be vital in Mumbai?
Managing Bumrah's workload for the Australia series
One of the primary arguments for resting Jasprit Bumrah is the need to manage his workload ahead of the demanding five-match Test series against Australia. Since December 2023, India have played 11 Tests, with Bumrah participating in 10 of them, the most by any Indian pacer in this period.
To perform at his peak in a high-stakes series against Australia, Bumrah will require a well-managed recovery period to avoid burnout. India will rely heavily on Bumrah in Australia, especially with Mohammed Shami not included in the squad, making it likely that the former will play all five matches.
Arguably, Bumrah looked fatigued in the two outings against New Zealand, managing to pick up just three wickets. Giving him a break during the Mumbai Test could help him recharge and prepare for the physically and mentally intense series ahead.
Though his absence might affect the Indian bowling attack's immediate strength, prioritizing his long-term well-being is essential for India's success in future assignments.
Providing Mohammed Siraj another opportunity
Another reason to rest Bumrah is to give Mohammed Siraj an opportunity to regain his form and confidence ahead of the Australian tour. In recent times, Siraj's performance has been inconsistent.
Since 2022, he has taken 44 wickets in 35 innings at an average of 32. His average of 42 in the last seven matches has been further unimpressive. This slump in form led to Siraj being replaced by Akash Deep in the Pune Test.
Siraj will need to regain his rhythm and an opportunity in the Mumbai Test could be ideal for him to work on his form. With the outcome of the series already decided, the team could consider this a chance for Siraj to build his confidence as he will be vital in Australia, especially with Shami missing out.
The case against India resting Jasprit Bumrah for the Mumbai Test
While resting Bumrah seems reasonable, it does not come without drawbacks. With India needing four wins out of their remaining six Tests to make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, every game is crucial.
A strong performance in Mumbai could help them gain some much-needed momentum and Bumrah could play a significant role.
After the conclusion of the Mumbai game on November 5, the Indian team will have approximately ten days to rest and recover before they begin preparations for Australia. While this break may not be as extensive, it could provide sufficient recovery time.
Therefore, having Bumrah in the lineup would allow India to field their strongest side in Mumbai, showing intent to conclude the series on a high and push for an important win.
All said and done, the decision to rest Bumrah or not lies in balancing short-term outcomes with long-term goals. Giving Bumrah a break would help him prepare for the gruelling Australian tour while also allowing Siraj a shot at redemption.
On the other hand, with the WTC final qualification stakes high, India may choose to keep Bumrah in the lineup to ensure they have a formidable bowling attack in the third match.
If India decide to rest him, it could signal a motive to preserve resources ahead of an extensive series in Australia. But should he take the field in Mumbai, it could reflect their aim to end the series on a high and regain some much-needed confidence.