IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: 3 Reasons why it is right to bench Jasprit Bumrah for 3rd Test against England

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the finest bowlers of this generation. The star pacer has been sensational since his comeback from the injury. He has been the key for India across formats in the home and overseas conditions of the game. Bumrah has been a crucial member of the side that qualified for the ODI World Cup 2023 final. The bowler's accuracy with the line and length has been absolutely magnificent. 

The speedster has been rewarded back for his performances over the years as he is currently the No.1 Test bowler after his match-winning performance in the 2nd Test against England. The 30-year-old pacer picked 9 wickets in the red-ball format with a fifer in the first innings. For his exceptional performance, he was named as the Player of the Match award and the win helped India to level the series 1-1.

His workload has been closely managed since his return from injury in August 2023. Across the last set of months, he has played in the Asia Cup, the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Test series against South Africa. He also has a hectic 2024 lined up as well, with the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) and the 2024 T20 World Cup taking centre stage. In the article, we will be looking at the reasons why Jasprit Bumrah sitting on the bench for the 3rd Test will turn out to be the right decision. 

Here are the 3 reasons why Jasprit Bumrah sitting on the bench for the 3rd Test

3. Spin Friendly Tracks 

India is one of the toughest conditions to play in for a visiting side as the Men in Blue have not lost a single home Test series in the last 12 years. India have made spin-friendly tracks in the longest format of the game which has helped the side as well. Though in the first two matches, there has not been much spin to offer but in the 3rd Test the side will definitely look for rank turners as the English Lions have dominated with the variation in spin and this might be one reason the side might play 4 spinners and rest Jasprit Bumrah as well. 

2. Injury and Workload Management 

Jasprit Bumrah has been playing since the Ireland series and has played in all the major series for the Men in Blue he has played in the Asia Cup, the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Test series against South Africa and now also participating in the England series as well. Keeping in mind the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and the injuries a pacer might be affected he might be given rest for the 3rd Test. 

1. Long-Term vision 

Bumrah has been the main pacer for the side over the years and his career has been cut-short. The management will not like to have a short-term career of their team's best pace bowler to be injured and miss the major games and tournaments. He has been a bit injury prone keeping in mind with the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy in 2025 the selectors will keep him preserved for the best tournaments.