Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AFP)
India and West Indies are all set to lock horns in the first of the two-match Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is the first home series of a new cycle for the Shubman Gill and co., and they would be looking to dominate against an inexperienced West Indies side.
Shubman Gill keeps his options open on Jasprit Bumrah
Thus, all the pressure would be on India to deliver, and ahead of the clash, Shubman Gill opened up on India's preparation for the game in the pre-match press conference. He was also asked about Jasprit Bumrah and how his workload would be managed in the series. In reply, Bumrah mentioned that nothing is pre-decided and they will assess the star bowler on a match-to-match basis.
He added that factors like how much Jasprit Bumrah will bowl in the Test match and how long the Test lasts would be a factor in determining his availability for the second Test.
"Regarding Bumrah's workload management, nothing is pre-decided. We will assess on a match-to-match basis – how many days the Test lasts, how our fast bowlers feel," Shubman Gill said in pre-match press conference as quoted by RevSportz.
India look to balance Jasprit Bumrah's presence amidst workload concerns
Thus, Jasprit Bumrah is all set to play in the first Test despite playing in the Asia Cup for India. On India's last Test tour, Jasprit Bumrah played three Tests out of five to manage his workload and even faced a lot of criticism for it.
However, the cricketer has done well for India across formats whenever he has played. Thus, India need to manage him carefully and not push him too much in matches where he is not needed.
Nevertheless, Jasprit Bumrah will be a key player for India in the first Test as the pitch has a green look to it, and there could be help for the seamers. India lost their last home series against New Zealand, but have started well under Shubman Gill's captaincy and would be looking to continue that momentum in this series.
