Legendary Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar has made it clear that the Indian team can’t afford to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth and final Test against England at Old Trafford, starting on Friday. Jasprit Bumrah, who has scalped as many as 18 wickets in the ongoing series, will have to squeeze every ounce of energy to help India seal the series.
During a hat on Sony Sports Network, Sunil Gavaskar said, “I think in my view, you’re still playing for India and the series is yet to be won. If you are 2-0 up, then rest Bumrah, but we still haven’t won the series so Bumrah has to play.”
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India is currently having an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series right now. However, just like the last four Tests, the visitors’ line-up for the game has created a buzz. There have been a lot of discussions regarding Bumrah’s workload after having bowled 151 overs already in the past month, including 22 intense overs on the fourth and fifth day of the Oval Test which India won by 157 runs.
With Mohammed Shami available for selection, he is set to walk into the playing XI but skipper Kohli’s call in absence of head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun, both suffering from Covid-19, will be crucial.
In perfect bowling conditions that the Old Trafford provides at times, resting Bumrah can cost Team India but then a T20 World Cup is there in six weeks’ time which will make any captain ponder over the worst of possibilities, including injuries that might hamper India’s chances.
Umesh Yadav (6 wickets) and all-rounder Shardul Thakur (3 wickets 117 runs), after their respective impressive performances in the last game, aren’t going to be benched and Bumrah requires a rest big-time despite the fact that it’ll be the biggest game of the series.
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In case, the team management looks at the bigger picture and decides to rest Bumrah, then Mohammed Siraj, despite an underwhelming show in the last Test, will be expected to play a crucial role.
