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

Team India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. He has played three games on a trot and bowled more than 80 overs in the series so far. The elite pacer was expected to be rested for the Rajkot Test, but with both teams having a 10-day break after the second Test, he opted to play. 

Advertisment

Bumrah was the Player of the Match in the Visakhapatnam Test, taking 9 wickets including a six-fer in the first innings. Although he managed to take only two wickets in the third match as India cruised to a historic 434-run victory, his presence in the pace attack gave the hosts a boost. Notably, he was economical when Ben Duckett was scoring a rapid pace in the first innings, and he also played an impactful cameo with the bat. 

It will be a setback for Rohit Sharma and Co. if Bumrah misses the upcoming match in Ranchi. But it is also essential for the management to manage the right-arm seamer's workload. In this article, we take a look at three players who can replace Bumrah if he is unavailable in the fourth Test. 

Also Read: Biggest ever win for India in Tests (by runs)

Advertisment

#3. Akash Deep

Right-arm medium pacer Akash Deep replaced left-arm orthodox bowler Saurabh Kumar in India's last three Test matches against England. Deep has excelled for Bengal in the domestic circuit, taking over 100 wickets at an average of 23.18 in his 29 first-class matches. His 11-wicket haul in two unofficial Tests against the England Lions last month impressed the selectors to include him in the squad. With Mukesh not performing well in the second match, it wouldn't be surprising if Deep gets a chance as the second pacer in Ranchi. 

Advertisment

#2. Axar Patel

The ongoing series has yet to witness the presence of rank turners. If the pitch at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi assists spinners more than the pacers, India may field four spinners. Axar Patel's injection into the already bolstered spin attack of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be lethal for England. Notably, Axar can also chip in crucial contributions with the bat. However, it remains to be seen if India will go for this move in the absence of Bumrah in the pace attack. 

#1. Mukesh Kumar 

Mukesh Kumar is the first choice to replace Bumrah in the fourth Test if the star pacer is unavailable. He was in the playing XI for the second Test in Visakhapatnam but did not have a good outing and was dropped from the following match. He was released from the squad to play in the Ranji Trophy final round for Bengal but is likely to rejoin the squad in Ranchi. Although he has performed poorly in the ongoing series, Mukesh has shown his mettle many times in recent times.