With a big 434-run victory over England in the third Test in Rajkot, India is now leading 2-1 in the five-match series.
On the bowling side, Jasprit Bumrah did really well, taking the most wickets in all three Tests so far. Because he worked so hard, he might take a break in the next Test in Ranchi as part of a plan to manage players’ workload. In the second Test in Visakhapatnam, India had given a rest to bowler Mohammed Siraj.
In the Visakhapatnam Test, Bumrah, who is 30 years old, helped India win with nine wickets, including an amazing six for 45 in the first innings. In total, he bowled 80.5 overs in the series and got 17 wickets with an average of 13.65.
Now that Bumrah might rest, India is thinking about who can replace him in the Ranchi Test. Since Ranchi’s pitch is usually good for spinners, India might bring in a new spinner or a medium pacer instead of Bumrah. Siraj will probably lead the attack.
Here are some options for Bumrah’s replacement in the Ranchi Test:
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Mukesh Kumar
– A 30-year-old Bengal pacer.
– Did okay in the last three Tests.
– Had a great game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, taking 10 wickets in a match.
– Good on tricky pitches, might replace Bumrah.
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Akash Deep
– A 27-year-old Bengal quick.
– Got his first chance to play for India after the second Test.
– Took 10 wickets in two games against England Lions in Ahmedabad.
– Important player for Bengal in red-ball cricket.
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Axar Patel or Washington Sundar
– If the Ranchi pitch helps spinners, India might choose an extra spinner.
– Axar Patel was dropped for the third Test but can be considered again.
– Washington Sundar hasn’t played a Test in almost three years.
In the last England game, India struggled against spin, so they might pick a spinner if the pitch is good for it. Axar Patel or Washington Sundar could replace Bumrah in that case.