IND vs ENG 4th Test: 3 Reasons Jasprit Bumrah's Absence Could Harm Team India

Premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah's contribution was crucial as India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series against England. Reports suggest that the team's vice-captain may be rested in the fourth Test to manage his workload as he has been playing three straight matches. He was expected to be rested for the Rajkot Test but decided to play as he got a 10-day break following the second Test.

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The hosts are ahead in the series, but are they out of danger? England will be aiming for a strong comeback in the remainder of the series and how much will Bumrah's absence affect if he is rested? Here are three reasons why bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's absence in the fourth Test will hurt Team India.

Also Read: IND vs ENG, 4th Test: 3 players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in Playing XI

#3. England may bounce back strongly 

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The series is currently 2-1 and Ben Stokes and Co. will no doubt come back stronger in Ranchi to level the series. India are high on confidence now, but a loss in the next match will put them in the back seat and might even take the series away from them. England and Stokes are known for pulling off miracles and it will be easier for them in Bumrah's absence. 

#2. No quality replacement options 

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Bumrah is the vice-captain of the team and the captain of the Indian pace attack. There have been no rank turners in the series so far and the pacers have had enough help. It is uncertain how the surface at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi will behave when the two clash from February 23. If the pitch is to support the pacers, Bumrah's absence will be a huge blow for India. 

Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep are the potential replacements. There is no doubt about the talent of both the pacers, but how well they can fill Bumrah's shoes is a question. Kumar was dropped after a poor outing in the second Test. On the other hand, Deep is yet to make his debut. 

#1. Enough days to rest after Ranchi Test 

Managing Bumrah's workload is crucial, there's no denying that. However, he did not have to work as hard in the third Test as compared to the first two matches. The right-arm seamer took a back seat in Rajkot as spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were firing with the ball. After the upcoming match, both teams will get a 9-day break for the final Test in Dharamsala. Notably, the third Test ended on Day 4 and Bumrah got an extra day's rest before the action in Ranchi.