India's superstar pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his international comeback in the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand which is scheduled to be played from October 16 to November 5. However, his participation in the preceding Bangladesh series remains uncertain, with the final decision resting with the player himself.
Bumrah's return and selectors' dilemma
The Indian team management is keen on introducing more variety to the pace attack. As a result, the selectors are considering adding a left-arm seam and swing bowler to the squad. With Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed being the primary contenders, the selectors face a challenging decision. While Arshdeep has consistent T20I experience, Khaleel's form has been inconsistent due to injuries.
Jasprit Bumrah's last appearance for India was a triumphant one. He was instrumental in India's T20 World Cup victory, earning the Player of the Tournament award for his exceptional bowling performances.
"In the case of Bumrah, he knows his body the best and it will be up to him if he wants to play in the Tests against Bangladesh. The team management and selectors are very clear that India needs a 120% fit Jasprit Bumrah for all five Tests against Australia Down Under," a BCCI source told PTI.
Former India head coach Rahul Dravid always showed faith in Arshdeep Singh's red-ball potential. He played a pivotal role in recommending the young pacer to Kent County last year, where Dravid himself had previously represented.
Yash Dayal is another contender for the left-arm pacer role, though he currently ranks behind Arshdeep and Khaleel in the pecking order.
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Duleep Trophy to Feature Top Talent
Several Indian cricket stalwarts will be in action at the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which commences on September 5th in Bengaluru. While key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, the tournament will showcase the talents of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj, among others. The tournament will be a three-team affair with Shubman Gill's Team A facing off against Abhimanyu Easwaran's Team B in the opening encounter.
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