Sunil Gavaskar’s questions Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the Ranchi Test. India won the fourth Test by five wickets and leads the series 3–1.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has questioned India’s decision to rest ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah against England in Ranchi. The 74-year-old noted that the Ahmedabad-born pacer bowled only 24 overs in the third Test in Rajkot, which should not tire him.
Notably, Bumrah bowled 15 overs in the first innings and eight in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot. Gavaskar also pointed out that both teams had a nine-day break prior to the third Test, which allowed for ample recovery time, and bowling 23 overs in the entire game should not have been too exhausting for a fit athlete like Bumrah.
“Despite bowling only 15 overs in the first innings and eight overs in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot. Bumrah rested for Ranchi, most likely on the trainer’s recommendation. ” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Mid Day.
“Don’t forget there was a nine-day break between the second and third Tests. Bowling 23 overs in one game isn’t tiring at all, so why was Bumrah rested? After the fourth Test, there would be another eight-day break before the final Test match. Providing ample time for supremely fit athletes to recover and be ready to play for their country. ” The former Indian captain continue.
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It wasn’t in the Indian team’s immediate interest: Gavaskar
Gavaskar added that the fourth Test between India and England was critical because a loss in Ranchi would have open the door for the visitors to make a comeback in the series. However, hes very please with Akash Deep’s bowling, who made his Test debut in place of Bumrah and took three wickets in the first innings.
“The fourth Test also a crucial game as, if England had won that, the final Test would have been the decider. So, whether it was the NCA or Bumrah who took the call, it wasn’t in the Indian team’s immediate interest. That young Akash Deep bowled splendidly to offset Bumrah’s absence, once again show that it doesn’t matter if the big names don’t play. There will always be young guns who would be only too happy and as the skipper Rohit Sharma said. Be hungry to play for India and to bear any hardship for the honour and privilege of playing for your country. ” Gavaskar concluded.
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