What to expect from Bumrah’s return on ‘spin-friendly’ Chepauk vs Bangladesh
Jasprit Bumrah will be back in cricketing action for India 82 days after playing a crucial part in the team’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados. In the lead-up to the Test series between India and Bangladesh, there were reports that Bumrah could be rested further and possibly return for the 3-match series against New Zealand. Bumrah, after being adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024, took a well-deserved break and didn’t take part in India’s white-ball tour to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
However, in a surprising move, the speedster was named in India’s 16-member squad for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. He is set to lead India’s pace attack, featuring Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal, who earned his maiden call-up. Bumrah’s last Test appearance was in March 2024 during the 5-match Test series against England. Many expected the 30-year-old to be rested for the two Tests against Bangladesh, considering a hectic international schedule looms with 3 Tests against New Zealand at home, followed by the all-important 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in November.
Why wasn’t Jasprit Bumrah rested for Bangladesh series?
However, it seems the Ajit Agarkar-led Indian selection committee had other plans. Bumrah’s selection for the Bangladesh series could be a strategic move to ensure the pacer remains match-fit for the upcoming crucial games. The first Test match against Bangladesh presents a great opportunity for Bumrah to find his rhythm and ease back into red-ball cricket.
Bumrah has played only one Test at the Chepauk Stadium and picked up four wickets during the first match against England in 2021. Historically, Chepauk has been known to support spin, with Indian spinners dominating the list of most Test wickets at this venue. Reports suggest that India are expected to field three spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav being the top choices for the Chennai Test. This means Bumrah and Siraj will pair up to handle the fast-bowling duties.
Need for Bumrah’s workload management
Despite the question of whether India needs Bumrah for home Tests, given the importance of workload management, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has addressed the issue, explaining that the team will rotate its fast bowlers during the long Test season. Rohit referred to the strategy used during the England Test series when Bumrah and Siraj were given breaks.
“We want our best players to play all the games, but it’s not possible. You’ve to see what’s best for the team and manage your bowlers accordingly. It all depends on the workload that is being carried by them,” Rohit Sharma said ahead of the first game.
“We will monitor that, and we’ve been doing that well. Against England, we gave breaks to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. So, we will keep assessing them. You want everyone to play all the games, and we’ve got a lot of bowlers. We saw exciting prospects in the Duleep Trophy. I am not too worried about the kind of bowlers waiting in the wings,” he further added.
Bumrah’s record in home Tests
Jasprit Bumrah has proven his brilliance as a pacer even in spin-friendly Indian conditions. In just eight home Tests, he has claimed 33 wickets at an impressive average of 16.36, the second-best amongst pacers with 150 or more wickets. Despite limited appearances in Tests on Indian soil due to fitness and workload concerns, Bumrah’s record remains exceptional.
He has taken 159 wickets in 36 Tests, with a stunning career average of 20.69. Bumrah is also the fastest Indian pacer to reach 150 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in just 34 matches, breaking Kapil Dev’s record (36 matches) during the 2nd Test against England in Vizag.
Bumrah was particularly impressive on home soil against England, taking a nine-wicket haul in the Visakhapatnam Test. Despite the flat deck, Bumrah’s ability to reverse swing the ball played a key role in India’s 106-run victory. Fans and experts alike praised his skill, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Bumrah manages to replicate that form against Bangladesh.
Fit Bumrah Needed for Australia Tour
Bumrah has been India’s go-to bowler in overseas conditions, having picked up 113 Test wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). His role will be crucial once again on Australian soil as India aim for a third consecutive series win there. Bumrah has taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests in Australia, and with his potential to make a significant impact, India cannot afford to send a rusty Bumrah into the series.
With this Test series against Bangladesh, Bumrah can ease back into form ahead of India’s high-stakes engagements later in the year. The Chepauk Test will offer him the perfect platform to get match-ready and regain his rhythm before the tougher challenges ahead.
