India’s Test squad remains unchanged ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Despite the series being out of reach for India, the team management has decided against resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that no additional players have been added to the squad. He also clarified that Bumrah will not be rested, despite concerns about his workload. Nayar explained that Bumrah has not bowled a significant number of overs in the first two Tests, which were both curtailed due to rain.
“I think in the two Test matches he’s (Bumrah) bowled around 20, 25 overs. So he’s not bowled a lot,” Nayar said. “Yes, there’ll always be a thought process about his workload. Also, we played two games where we not at 5k cricket, it’s been more three, three-and-a-half days, so he could have rest.”
Nayar also highlighted the importance of Bumrah to the team, especially considering the upcoming five-Test series against Australia. However, he acknowledged that the team management is aware of Bumrah’s workload and will monitor it closely.
Another factor influencing the decision to not rest Bumrah is the expected conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. Nayar believes that the pitch will offer assistance to seamers, especially in the early stages of each day.
“I always believe that Wankhede will always give pace a chance no matter what, especially when Mumbai winter doesn’t feel like it,” Nayar said. “But in the morning there will be a bit of moisture, there will be a bit of dew around. So you will expect the first sessions to have a bit of swing.”
Nayar also emphasized the need for self-reflection within the Indian team after losing a home series for the first time in over a decade. He urged the players to assess their game plans and improve their performances.
“I feel that though the conditions will be different with a red-soil pitch. The last time we played on a red soil, which was in Chennai, a lot of the guys have been a lot of local cricketers and they understand what these conditions are and how the pitch is going to pan out,” he said. “I think it’s more about, at this level, self reflection for every player to go in and understand their game plans.”
