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India are likely to rest Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test match against England, starting on Friday in Ranchi. In the series that was supposed to be dictated by the spinners, Bumrah stands at the top of the wicket-taking list with 17 scalps at an impeccable average of 13.65. Nine of them were picked in the second Test match, in what was his best performance at home, as India mounted a comeback in Vizag before taking the lead in Rajkot in the third Test.
In the three matches of the series so far, Bumrah has bowled 80.5 overs, the most among Indian bowlers and hence rightly needs a break in Ranchi, keeping in mind the load management. job. However, the question subsequently arises as to who would replace Bumrah, the bowler who has picked almost a third of India’s total wickets (60) in this series.
Mukesh Kumar vs Akash Deep
India has maintained a two-seamer, three-spinner combination in the series so far, giving the hosts a 108-run win in the second Test and a record 434-run victory in the third. Therefore, if the team management sticks to its strategy, one between Akash and Mukesh could form the lineup alongside Mohammed Siraj in Ranchi. Mukesh was released by the Indian team ahead of the third Test after a rather quiet performance in Vizag, where he returned with figures of 1 for 70. However, the fast bowler scored a career-best 10 for 50 in Eden Gardens in Kolkata. in Bengal’s final Ranji Trophy league match against Bihar. After that performance, India could remember Mukesh, or make a bold decision and hand Akash his first cap. The Bengal quick recently took 11 wickets in two India A matches, which included two four-wicket hauls.
How about an extra spinner?
India could, however, alter its strategy and use an additional spinner. Barring the third Test, India’s use of a second seamer has been limited, with Siraj managing just 11 overs in the Hyderabad tie, while Mukesh bowled 12 overs in the second Test. If Ranchi offers a change of order, India will be tempted to add one between Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to the XI to go along with the existing line-up comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Who will make way for KL Rahul?
The India batsman had missed the second Test match of the series due to quadriceps pain and then failed to recover in time for the third Test. However, the middle-order batsman is all set to return for the match in Ranchi, as confirmed by the Indian captain himself. “He seems fine,” Rohit Sharma said in the post-match press conference on Sunday.
If Rahul returns, Rajat Patidar, who failed to make much of an impression in his first two Tests, will have to make way. The right-hander, who debuted in Vizag, has so far scored just 46 runs in four innings, including a duck.