A few days ahead of the fourth Test, Jasprit Bumrah was the notable absentee from the Indian team that landed in Ranchi on February 20. The Indian team landed in Ranchi in the afternoon. Only two seamers -- Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep -- were seen at the airport.
After Siraj, Bumrah set to be rested
Earlier, Sports Tak had reported that Bumrah has been rested for the fourth Test after India took a 2-1 lead with an emphatic 434-run win in Rajkot. Before Bumrah, Siraj was rested for the second Test in Vizag which India won by 106 runs.
Who will replace Bumrah in Ranchi?
Deep received his maiden call-up when India’s squad for the last three Tests was announced. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar who was released from the squad for the third Test is set to join Rohit Sharma & Co. in Ranchi as well. Mukesh picked up 10 wickets including a six-wicket haul in the second innings for Bengal against Bihar while India outclassed England in Rajkot.
In Bumrah’s absence, it will be interesting to see whether Mukesh makes a comeback after picking just one wicket in Vizag and going for plenty of runs or Deep gets his debut cap. The 27-year-old recently picked up 13 wickets from three games for India A against England Lions.
India's record in Ranchi
India and England have never played a Test against each other in Ranchi. India have played two Tests at the venue and won one whereas the other ended in a draw.
In 2017, Virat Kohli-led India locked horns with Steve Smith's Australia. After centuries from Smith and Glenn Maxwell helped Australia post 451, Cheteshwar Pujara's double ton and Wriddhiman Saha's century helped the hosts post 603/9 before declaring. Australia lost four wickets but managed to draw the match with 204/6 on the board in their second innings.
Two years later, India took on Faf du Plessis' South Africa. Rohit's double century and Ajinkya Rahane's century helped India post 497/9. In reply, the Proteas were bowled out for 162. Following on, they were bowled out for 133 as Indian bowlers put on a clinical display to win the match by an innings and 202 runs.
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