India could look to add a left-arm pacer to their side for the upcoming Test against Bangladesh. (Image: AFP, X, Instagram)
India could rest Jasprit Bumrah for the Bangladesh Tests and pacers like Arshdeep Singh or Khaleel Ahmed could be picked as left-handed options to bring variety to the pace-attack.
India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah could miss out on the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in September with the team management looking to make some fresh additions to bolster the Indian fast-bowling unit.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the side is looking to bring in some variations to the pace-bowling unit with the side looking to add a left-arm seam and swing bowler.
The top contenders include T20 World Cup 2024’s leading wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed. However, the former having proven himself in both T20Is and ODIs could be in line to get the nod for his Test debut.
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The report also claims that the reasoning behind the team management’s possible call to rest Bumrah is to ensure that he can be at his very best for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that will take place in Australia in November 2024.
To ensure he is fully prepared for the series Down Under, the Indian team would opt to play him during the home Test series against New Zealand in October 2024.
“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, an anonymous BCCI source was quoted by PTI.
The team management and selectors are clear that India needs a 120 per cent fit Jasprit Bumrah for all five Tests against Australia Down Under. Before that, there is New Zealand in India, where he will probably play and get ready for the sterner tests,” he added.
This could be the perfect opportunity for the Indian team to try out Arshdeep Singh in the longest format. The report suggested that the former India head coach, Rahul Dravid had plans for the southpaw to move into the red-ball format, which resulted in the pacer playing some County games for Kent, last year.
The Indian team will look to bounce back after the away ODI series loss against Sri Lanka earlier. Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to get back to winning ways as they restart their World Test Championship campaign.
(with PTI Inputs)
