The Indian team management is looking at managing the workload of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, including resting him during upcoming ODI series against Australia, New Zealand and even the Indian Premier League.
According to the Press Trust of India, Bumrah’s form and fitness is top priority for the Indian team management and given that he will be required to grind it out in three day’s time in the Sydney Test, concessions are likely to be made in white-ball cricket.
Bumrah, who picked up nine wickets in the Melbourne Test, has bowled 379.4 overs in nine Tests compared to Mohammed Shami who has delivered 383.5 overs in 12 Tests. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bowled the most number of overs – 386 overs – in 2018.
Among the Test bowlers, Ashwin, Ishant and even Shami don’t feature in India’s World Cup plans.
India are set to play eight ODIs (home and away) against the Aussies and five ODIs in New Zealand after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. According to PTI, seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and all-rounder Hardik Pandya might be asked to share the workload.
However, the difficult part will be discussing Bumrah’s workload with his IPL team Mumbai Indians.
In October, there were reports of the Indian team management seeking ample rest for frontline pacers during the IPL but discussions didn’t go anywhere.
However, it is likely the BCCI will ask the Mumbai Indians to ‘co-operate’.
“For someone of Virat’s stature, he can take a call himself and discuss with his franchise about his workload. However, for Bumrah, the Indian team’s support staff will need to prepare all the relevant data so that we can have a discussion with Mumbai Indians if the situation arises,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.
“Obviously, if he is fit, he will play all important matches for Mumbai but in between, with such a hectic travel schedule during IPL, it will be great if he is rested keeping the World Cup in mind.”
