New Delhi: It appears that Jasprit Bumrah may not be participating in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Although Bumrah was present during the team's initial training session at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, he only engaged in light fitness exercises and fielding drills, without taking part in any bowling activities during either of the training sessions.
The reason for Bumrah's absence from the match is not clear. It could be due to an injury, or it could be that the team management decided to rest him, or perhaps Bumrah himself requested a break, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
The announcement of Bumrah's potential absence from the match came shortly after head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that all players were fit and available for selection, downplaying any concerns regarding Bumrah's lack of bowling practice during the training sessions.
"I believe he has completed his preparations," Gambhir stated on Thursday. "Considering the weather conditions in Mumbai, it's essential for him to conserve his energy. He has completed his bowling, is well-prepared, and in good form. This is why he is a senior player; he understands the importance of thorough preparation for Test matches," he elaborated, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Bumrah has participated in all four Tests of the home season, bowling the third-highest number of overs (90) and securing the third-highest number of wickets (14). As the team's vice-captain, he is expected to lead the team at the beginning of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November, with Rohit Sharma anticipated to miss the first Test due to personal commitments. Given his pivotal role as the leading bowler, India is keen on ensuring Bumrah is in peak condition for the forthcoming five-Test series, which is scheduled to begin on November 18 and conclude in January.
During the two-day training period at the Wankhede, there were no indications from the team management that Bumrah would be absent from the match. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar even mentioned that India's recent performances haven't been as successful as expected, suggesting that Bumrah's workload was not a significant concern.
"In the two Test matches he has bowled around 20-25 overs. So he hasn't been bowling excessively," Nayar noted on Wednesday, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
"Yes, there will always be considerations regarding his workload. Additionally, we have played two matches that were not full-length Test matches, with the format being more three-day cricket. Therefore, he has had sufficient rest. However, Booms is crucial to our team, and his workload will always be a priority," he added.
The presentation at the Wankhede is anticipated to provide limited assistance to pace bowlers. The red soil is expected to yield favorable bounce characteristics, and the early morning humidity, coupled with the freshness of the ball, may present a fleeting opportunity for pace bowlers to exert their influence. Nonetheless, it is the spinners who are poised to assume a more prominent role. Given that India has already succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, marking their first home series loss in a decade, the concluding Test can be considered a mere formality. However, the stakes are high, as there are significant World Test Championship (WTC) points at risk. Currently occupying the top position in the WTC rankings, India is vying for a place in the final at Lord's in June 2025.
