Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah might get respite from cricket for Nidahas Trophy

Virat Kohli may also be rested from the Sri Lanka T20I tri-series.

Both Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah have had a heavy workload in South Africa

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah will be the center of attraction when the MSK Prasad led selection committee sits down to choose the squad for the upcoming Nidahas Trophy 2018 in Sri Lanka. The T20I tri-series tournament features India, Bangladesh and hosts Sri Lanka and will be played from March 6th - March 18th.

Another player who has been a part of all the matches in South Africa is captain Virat Kohli and a top BCCI official said that it is up to Kohli whether he would like to play in Sri Lanka or not. He said, "If Virat wants rest, he will get it. In Virat's case, it's he who decides on whether he would like to opt out or not. But you never know he might just want to play the T20 series as this is the last tourney of the season. Once the tournament is over, he will get a fortnight off before the Indian Premier League

Virat Kohli was also seen battling a hamstring problem | Getty

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the beacon of hope on the South Africa tour, as he was the most successful bowlers in Tests and T20Is. He bowled a total of 100 overs on the South Africa tour so far and if he plays in the Nidahas Trophy, that number will go up to 112 overs.

However, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload has been much more than Bhuvneshwar Kumar's. If Bumrah plays in Nidahas Trophy, then he would have bowled more than 166 overs; which might take a toll on his body.

India is set to play 63 international games including 30 ODIs in the coming season, a fit Bumrah is a priority for both the selectors and the team management. If both Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah are rested; Unadkat and Thakur are expected to be the main strike bowlers for India in Sri Lanka and even Kerala pacer Basil Thampi might make a return to the Indian squad.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 22 Feb, 2018

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