Jasprit Bumrah likely to play Rajkot Test; Virat Kohli to miss entire England series - Reports

Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management will be the major talking point of the selection committee ahead of announcing the squad for the last three Tests against England. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be finalizing the squad within the next 24 hours.

It is learned that the selection committee initially decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and play Mohammed Siraj in the next game. But this move didn’t amaze captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar ahead of the third game in Rajkot.

The Rajkot surface favors seamers more and therefore coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are keen to play pacer in the next match. Also, the pacer has been exceptional in the series as despite spin-favoring conditions, he is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 15 scalps.

But his workload will be the major talking point for the selection committee, considering the injury issues he has had in the past. Jasprit Bumrah has bowled close to 58 overs in the two games and is behind Ravichandran Ashwin, who has bowled close to 80 overs.

The reports added that the final decision related to Jasprit Bumrah playing in the third Test will be taken only after the squad announcement. The pacer himself will be asked first if he wants to take the field in the third game, which is slated to take place from 15th February.

Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in India winning the second game after a loss in the first match. The fast bowler took 6 wickets in the first innings and then followed it up with a four-wicket haul in the second innings. His heroics helped the team stage a comeback after a disappointing loss in Hyderabad.

If vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah gets rested for the third game, it will be a blow for the team because of the kind of performances he has put in. No other pacer in the team has been able to make a mark and him resting now will also affect the bowling quality of the team for the third match.

Barring Jasprit Bumrah, reports provide updates about Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja

Apart from the development of Jasprit Bumrah, the reports also provided a positive report about the KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. The duo got injured in the first game and then moved to NCA for their recovery process, missing the second game in Vizag.

The reports claimed that KL Rahul has recovered well and his return to the team is imminent. On the other hand, it is learned that Ravindra Jadeja’s comeback will depend on the assessment of his hamstring injury by the team management.

The reports also suggested that Virat Kohli will be missing the entire five-match Test series against England. The batter opted out of the first two games, citing personal reasons. However, it is now reported that he has taken leave for the entire five-Test series due to a family emergency.