India to rest Jasprit Bumrah for upcoming Test series against Bangladesh

India's star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh as part of a strategy to manage his workload. Bumrah, who has been on rest since the T20 World Cup 2024, did not participate in the recent series against Zimbabwe or any formats in Sri Lanka.

As India’s leading bowler, the team management is being very cautious with Bumrah’s fitness, aiming to ensure he is fully prepared for key series and ICC tournaments in the near future. 

According to a media report, while regular Test players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been encouraged to participate in the Duleep Trophy, Bumrah has been given extra time off.

The Indian selectors are expected to decide on Bumrah’s involvement in the two-Test series against Bangladesh. With ten Test matches scheduled in the next four months—including a crucial five-Test series against Australia—the decision to rest Bumrah now may help keep him fresh for more demanding fixtures ahead.

India will face Bangladesh in two Tests before hosting New Zealand for a three-Test series. Given the likely spin-friendly conditions for the Bangladesh series, Bumrah’s role might be less critical, which further supports the idea of resting him.

Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from knee surgery, may return to bolster the fast bowling attack alongside Mohammed Siraj. Shami’s fitness and ability to handle the demands of Test cricket will be closely monitored.

The Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been careful with Bumrah’s workload due to his past injury issues and missed tournaments, including the T20 World Cup 2022 where India reached the semi-finals. Bumrah’s return from injury last year saw him excel in the T20 format, making him a key player for future ICC events.