IND vs AFG: Mohammed Siraj And Jasprit Bumrah Set To Sit Out Of Team India After Series-Levelling Spells In Cape Town

In a recent development, the Indian selection committee led by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar has decided to rest 2 of their main fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for India’s upcoming 3-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting from 11th of January at Punjab’s Mohali Cricket stadium.

This move comes after both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj impressed with their performances in the recently concluded 2-match test series on South African soil which remained a 1-1 draw. The duo have formed a deadly combination and have been a part of all of India’s important games for the last 2 years.

Add Mohammed Shami’s name, and the Indian bowling attack has some prowess as the busy 2024 calendar year begins in which India’s main objective will be to win all the home test series and try to end the ICC trophy drought when the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies begins in June.

Bumrah And Mohammed Siraj Key For India In 5 Tests Against England

However, in their bid for a T20 WC title, the selection committee has decided to keep Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj out of action until late of January. That means they will miss the entire Afghanistan series as BCCI wants both of the red-hot bowlers fresh for the very important assignment that is the 5-match test series against England on home soil.

Both their fitness and workload need to be looked after if India are to have a decent 2024. It’s not that India doesn’t have bowlers, but Bumrah and Siraj at the moment are untouchable and there is very little clarity on Shami’s comeback from injury.

Moreover, the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Avesh Khan among other options need a lot of time to get used to International cricket and the BCCI doesn’t want to waste time or lose matches by entrusting them to do the job Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been carrying out in the recent past.

They proved their quality and worth in the 2nd test right after the Boxing Day 1st test battering when South Africa scored 408 runs in a bowling-friendly Centurion pitch. Just like the big players always do, Siraj and Bumrah found a way to come back as they picked up 6 wickets each in the 1st & 2nd innings respectively at Newlands.

“Our Partnership Benefits The Team”, Siraj On His Collaboration With Jasprit Bumrah

During the post-match presentation of the 2nd test, Mohammed Siraj received the man of the match award for registering career-best figures of 6/15, and with him was Jasprit Bumrah, translating his words to the presenter and the world.

The chemistry between them looked ambiguous at that moment and Siraj later stated to India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey that his partnership with Jasprit Bumrah certainly helped him register career-best figures.

“To be honest, it was all about my bowling partnership with Bumrah. It is said bowling partnerships are important in Test cricket. Although Bumrah did not get too many wickets in the first innings, he kept up the pressure from the other end. It benefits the team.” – Siraj said.