Bumrah Out, Siraj In; Key Changes India Can Make For 3rd Test Vs New Zealand
![Bumrah in action Vs NZ [Source: PTI]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1730014156415_PTI10_24_2024_000029B(1).jpg?im=Resize=(650,450))
Bumrah in action Vs NZ [Source: PTI]
India suffered a humiliating series defeat at the hands of New Zealand on Saturday. The Kiwis, who came into the India Tests with an embarrassing performance against Sri Lanka, silenced the critics and won the first two Test matches in emphatic fashion.
The Indian batting surrendered in front of Mitchell Santner as the spinner picked up 13 wickets to torment the Indian batters. On a spin friendly surface, the off-break bowler scalped 5-wicket hauls in both the innings to seal New Zealand's victory.
He picked up some key wickets in both the matches, including that of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India, for the first time in 12-years lost a Test series at home. As a result, questions have been raised regarding the team composition.
With a few days rest before the third Test commences, we look at key changes India can make to salvage their pride.
Rest Bumrah, bring in Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah is a phenomenal bowler and will hold the key for India when they tour, Down Under. However, the seamer had an ordinary outing against the Kiwis in both the Tests and it seems he is fatigued.
With nothing to lose in the 3rd Test, India should rest Bumrah ahead of the Australian tour and Mohammed Siraj should be the one to replace him. The RCB pacer has been lacklustre as well in recent times, but a spicier deck in Wankhede could help him redeem himself.
KL Rahul returns, Sarfaraz sits out
Yes, Sarfaraz Khan scored a gritty 150 in the second innings of the first Test, but in the remaining three innings, he has looked out of touch. Sarfaraz's technique was exposed by the Kiwi bowlers on this tour, and to win the third Test, maybe India need to make a bold call.
Despite not having the best of Test, KL Rahul is a better technical player than Sarfaraz and should be given a longer rope in the middle order as he provides that stability and solidity.
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