IND vs NZ: 2 reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should be rested for the 3rd test in Mumbai

Jasprit Bumrah picked three wickets in the first two IND vs NZ tests.

The Tom Latham-led New Zealand cricket team created history by registering their nation’s first test series win in India with wins in Bengaluru and Pune. This is India’s first series defeat at home since 2012, ending an 18-series winning streak.

The Kiwis outplayed India in two different types of conditions. They won by eight wickets in the pace-friendly conditions on a moist pitch in Bengaluru, and by 113 runs on a spin-friendly, dry track in Pune. Indian batsmen and bowlers have been outclassed by their opposition throroughly in these two tests.

The series will conclude with the third test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

India, on the back of a loss in Pune, could make changes to their line-up. While one or two changes can be based on the condition in Mumbai and the team combination, one change that India should make it to not play their spearhead fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

IND vs NZ: Two reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should be rested for the 3rd test in Mumbai

To manage Bumrah’s workload ahead of Australia tour

Since the start of December 2023, India have played 11 test matches so far. Jasprit Bumrah has been part of 10 tests out of 11, getting rest in a test match during the series against England.

Five Indian players have played in 10 or more out of these 11 tests, and only Bumrah is the fast bowler among them.

The proper managing and care of Bumrah’s workload is imperative before they embark on the five-match test tour of Australia next month. In Australia, with Mohammed Shami not named in the squad, Bumrah is expected to play all five tests. Hence, a break from the IND vs NZ Mumbai test will give the speedster some time to rest and freshen up.

To give Mohammed Siraj another crack before flying to Australia

Apart from Shami’s absence, another worry for India in the pace department is the form of Mohammed Siraj. Since the start of 2022, Siraj has picked up 44 wickets in 35 bowling innings at an average of 32, which is not ideal for a second or third-choice seamer.

His form in recent times has been even more dismal – average of 42 in his last seven tests – and that led to his dropping for the Pune test, with Akash Deep replacing him.

If India give a rest to Jasprit Bumrah in the Mumbai test, they can provide Siraj with another opportunity to back in form and desired rhythm before touring Australia.

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