The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been very vocal about players' workload management, especially the fast bowlers. And it seems that the senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the eight white-ball matches against England.
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According to a PTI report, it is almost certain that the Indian think-tank (head coach Ravi Shastri, skipper Virat Kohli and bowling coach Bharath Arun) along with the trainers and physios would take a final call on resting Bumrah, bearing in mind the hectic schedule this season.
Notably, Bumrah was rested for the second Test against England in Chennai, which India won by 317 runs to level the four-match series 1-1.
However, the pace spearhead will be back in action for the next two Tests in Ahmedabad, which will be important in view of the inaugural World Test Championship final.
"Jassi has already bowled close to 180 overs, including nearly 150 overs (149.4 overs) in four Test matches (till first Test versus England) since the start of the Australian tour.
"Add to that, the number of hours spent on the field. It is only logical that after these two Tests in Motera, where he will have a big role to play, he should be given rest for white-ball leg," a senior BCCI official, privy to the developments, told PTI on condition of anonymity.
India will play five T20Is and three ODIs against England from March 12 to March 28. Subsequently, the players will feature in the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League.
The white-ball fixtures against England will be the last chance for Indian team management to have a look at all potential players heading into this year's T20 World Cup and, thus, they are considering resting Bumrah.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar might make a comeback and Mohammed Shami after a break will play a few white-ball games. Nattu (T Natarajan) and Saini will also come back in the white-ball teams. As far as Jassi is concerned, he can well get ready playing 14 to 16 high-intensity IPL games for Mumbai Indians," the source said.
(With PTI inputs)
