Reports: Jasprit Bumrah given freedom to decide if he wants to play in Rajkot Test

Star India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become the talk of the town ever since his ascent to the number one spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings on Wednesday, February 07. Bumrah climbed three places to dethrone his India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin following his match-winning 9/91 against England in Visakhapatnam. 

Notably, Bumrah has played four consecutive Tests since December 26, 2023 and there have been widespread reports claiming that the team management will look to rest him in the third Test beginning from February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

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According to a report in The Indian Express, the team management has left it to Bumrah if he wants to play the third Test or not. The medical team will reportedly submit a report on his workload management to the selection committee who will then take a call on his inclusion in the team. However, the speedster will be given full freedom to decide whether he wants to play or not.

Notably, Bumrah has rattled the England batting with his searing pace and variations being the leading wicket-taker of the series so far. The speedster has 15 wickets to his name from four innings at an average of 10.66 and an economy of 2.76. The 30-year-old registered the second-best figures of his career (9/91) and third-best Test innings figures (6/45) during the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

Mohammed Siraj will also make a comeback in Rajkot

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His sensational yorker to Ollie Pope in the first innings became the highlight of the match as he annihilated his stumps with immaculate accuracy. Meanwhile, apart from Bumrah, the Indian seam attack will be further bolstered by the return of Mohammed Siraj in the third Test.

In his absence, Mukesh Kumar struggled in his first Test in India giving away 70 runs in 12 overs across two innings and picking just one wicket. The BCCI is likely to announce the squad for the remaining three Tests on Thursday, February 08 as uncertainty remains on Virat Kohli’a availability. However, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to mark their return in the third Test.