Ravi Shastri on India's decision to rest Bumrah (Source:@GlobalSportsX/X.com)
The second Test between India and England is finally underway, and the visitors have made some bold changes in their XI. They have decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah, which has not gone well with Indian fans and some of the former cricketers.
Shastri Questions India's Policy Of Resting Best Bowler
One of them is Ravi Shastri. The former Indian coach, while talking on SkySports, stated he disagrees with the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah. He adds that this Test is very important for India as they have lost against New Zealand and Australia in recent times, and ended on the wrong side at Headingley as well.
Thus, according to Shastri, India would want to get back to winning ways. Therefore, resting the best fast bowler in such a difficult situation after seven days of rest is very hard to believe.
"Certainly not. This becomes a very, very important Test match. You lost three against New Zealand, you lost three against Australia, you lost the first Test match here and you want to get back to winning ways."
"You've got the best fast bowler in the world, and after seven days of rest, you make him sit out? That's very hard to believe," Shastri added.
Shastri's words resonate with Sanjay Manjrekar's views. Ahead of the Test, Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNCricinfo, stated that India needs to consider the context of the series rather than just thinking of resting Bumrah after one game.
Nevertheless, India have made their decision and have brought in Akash Deep in place of Jasprit Bumrah. Nitish Kumar, Reedy, and Washington Sundar have also been included in place of Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan, respectively. Thus, Mohammed Siraj will be leading India's pace attack and will have to step up, if India want to challenge England in Edgbaston.
