India bounced back in spectacular fashion in the second Test match against England, securing a commanding 106-run victory to level the five-match series at 1-1. Spearheading the Indian bowling attack was the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, whose stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bumrah, showcasing his prowess as a premier fast bowler, delivered one of the finest spells of his career, wreaking havoc on the English batting lineup in Visakhapatnam. With a total of nine wickets across two innings, Bumrah achieved his best figures in Tests at home, reaffirming his status as a key asset for the Indian team.
However, amid Bumrah’s remarkable display, there are discussions within the national team selectors regarding his potential rest for the upcoming third Test in Rajkot, scheduled to commence on February 15. Citing the need to maintain Bumrah’s freshness for the crucial last two matches of the series, the selectors are contemplating giving him a well-deserved break.
In Bumrah’s absence, the spotlight shifts to other bowlers, with Mohammed Siraj likely to return to partner Mukesh Kumar in the Rajkot Test. Despite Siraj’s lackluster performance in Hyderabad, he remains a formidable option for the Indian bowling lineup.
Additionally, the team faces challenges on the injury front, with spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja expected to miss the third Test due to a hamstring injury. However, the return of experienced batter KL Rahul provides a boost to the batting lineup after his absence in the Vizag Test due to a right quadriceps issue.
Amidst these developments, speculation looms over the availability of star batter Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series. With Kohli withdrawing from the opening match due to personal reasons, the team management is yet to receive confirmation on his potential return for the Rajkot Test, with coach Rahul Dravid indicating that they will contact Kohli to ascertain his availability.