Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be sitting out the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as part of a workload management strategy. After featuring in both Tests against Bangladesh and the first two Tests of this series, the Indian team management has decided to rest him ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting November 22.

Bumrah’s workload management in focus ahead of Australia tour

The decision to rest Bumrah stems from the need to manage his workload after a busy season. Originally, the Indian team management had planned to give Bumrah a break during the second Test in Pune, but following India’s defeat in the first Test, the plans were adjusted. Bumrah’s recent performance in the Pune Test saw him bowl only 14 overs without any wickets, underlining the necessity of ensuring he is fit and ready for upcoming high-stakes matches. A team source confirmed Bumrah's return to Ahmedabad, where he joined his family for Diwali, marking a brief respite before rejoining the team for the Australian series.

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Gambhir highlights Bumrah’s preparatory routine and experience

India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Bumrah’s approach, emphasizing that as a seasoned player, he’s well-aware of how much preparation is necessary to stay match-ready. According to Gambhir, Bumrah is preserving his energy for the demanding conditions in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and he skipped bowling sessions during the recent practice drills in Mumbai to focus on physical conditioning and recovery. This decision is part of a larger strategy to ensure the pacer’s fitness, with Gambhir expressing full confidence in Bumrah’s readiness for the crucial series ahead.