India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, spoke to reporters about the importance of managing the workload of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Gambhir made it clear that he has different rules for batters and bowlers. At his first press conference in Mumbai before the team’s tour of Sri Lanka, Gambhir emphasized that he wants experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play as many games as possible.
Unlike the batters, who won’t be allowed to pick and choose series, Bumrah is being given special consideration to ensure he remains fresh for important matches. Kohli and Rohit, who retired from T20 internationals after the T20 World Cup, have been included in the squad for the One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka. However, Bumrah has been rested for the entire Sri Lanka tour to keep him in top shape for crucial games.
Gambhir said, “Workload management for someone like Bumrah is important. He is a rare kind of bowler, and it’s our responsibility to keep him fresh for the important games. This applies not just to Bumrah but to other fast bowlers as well.”
Bumrah was named the Player of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where he took 15 wickets. He also played a key role in leading India to the final of the ODI World Cup last year. Over the last four years, Bumrah has had the best economy rate in the powerplay (4.39) among bowlers. The 30-year-old has played 36 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 70 T20Is for India.
For the T20I series against Sri Lanka, India has included pacers Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohammed Siraj. Harshit Rana received his first call-up for the ODI series. The T20I series against Sri Lanka will start on July 27, followed by matches on July 28 and 30 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The ODI series will be held on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Get more updates on fela news!
