Last Updated:
The BCCI announced that Bumrah was left out of the squad for the final Test vs NZ due to his inability to recover quick enough from a bout of viral fever.
Indian superstar pacer Jasprit Bumrah (AP)
India has rested Jasprit Bumrah for the third and final Test against New Zealand, as Mohammed Siraj returns to the fray at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.
NZ skipper Tom Latham won the toss at Wankhede and chose to bat first, as they aim to secure a clean sweep of India to help boost their chances of making the WTC final.
Latham also announced that match-winner Mitchell Santner was left out from the playing XI for the final Test along with veteran Tim Southee, while Ish Soshi and Matt Henry are brought back in.
IND captain Rohit Sharma then announced the resting of Bumrah, stating that the pacer was replaced citing ill health.
“We understand and accept that we haven’t played well through the series. Gives us another opportunity to try and correct those things. Looks like a good pitch. Hopefully we can restrict them as quickly as possible and then focus with the bat,” Rohit stated.
“Unfortunately, Bumrah is not well, Siraj comes in for him.”
The BCCI also confirmed Rohit’s statements, as they took to social media to announce that Bumrah was left out due to his inability to recover quick enough from a bout of viral fever.
Another possible reason that could have also aided in the decision would have been concerns around maintaining his fitness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.
According to multiple reports, Bumrah had flown back home to Ahmedabad on Wednesday night after he was given rest in order to recover adequately for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
It has been reported that Indian team management wanted to rest the Ahmedabad-based pacer for the second Test in Pune, but they had to play him after the hosts lost the first Test in Bengaluru.
Bumrah was seen with the rest of the members of the Indian team during the practice session at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, but he didn’t bowl in the nets. Instead, he did his drills and physical activity.
The Indian pace maestro had featured in nine out of 10 Tests India has played so far in 2024, and in those he has accounted for the dismissal of 41 batters.
But now, it will all be on Rohit and co. to save face and ensure that they do not get swept at home, something that hasn’t happened to the Indian Test side at home in the 21st century so far.
