Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly expected to miss India's next Test series against Bangladesh as the management seeks an extended rest for the star fast bowler. Bumrah hasn't played any cricket since India's triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on June 29 and is likely to return to competitive cricket against New Zealand in October.
According to a report from PTI, the management is looking to keep Bumrah fresh and injury-free for the Tests against New Zealand and Australia. India next play two Tests against Bangladesh starting on September 19 and hosts New Zealand in a three-match Test series in October-November before travelling to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22.
If Bumrah misses out again, the BCCI's Selection Committee is looking to call either Arshdeep Singh or Khaleel Ahmed. Both the left-arm pacers have recently cemented their places in the white-ball teams but are yet to make their Test debuts.
"In case of Bumrah, he knows his body the best and it will be up to him if he wants to play in the Tests against Bangladesh," the BCCI source told PTI. "The team management and selectors are very clear that India needs a 120 per cent fit Jasprit Bumrah for all five Tests against Australia Down Under. Before that, there is New Zealand in India, where he will probably play and get ready for the sterner tests."
Yash Dayal is also in contention for a call but both Arshdeep and Khaleel lead the battle for Bumrah's spot, according to the same report. Both Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are expected to make their return to the red-ball cricket team for the Bangladesh series.
India will begin their Bangladesh series with two Test matches (in Chennai from 19 September and in Kanpur from 27 September) followed by three T20Is from October 6.
