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India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, along with Mohammed Siraj are likely to be rested for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. After the completion of the two-match Test series, India is set to host Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, starting from October 6 at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. While the first of the three-match series will be held in Gwalior, followed by a match each in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium and the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
But as they look to kickstart their home season, reports have revealed that along with Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are also set to be rested. It is to be noted that Bumrah has become India’s star pacer with Siraj also proving his key role in the Indian line-up. Moreover, these reports are making rounds with a full-fledged cricketing action lined-up for the Men in Blue.
Furthermore, speaking of Bumrah, who was last seen during India’s T20 World Cup triumph in West Indies, will reportedly not feature in the upcoming T20I series. This decision comes as a part of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s strategy to manage his workload ahead of the busy calendar, including a Test series against New Zealand, followed by the Boarder Gavaskar series.
Gill to be rested to manage workload: BCCI source
However, Bumrah’s non-participation in the T20I series comes as there remains no significant T20I event scheduled until 2026, the selection committee aims to keep him fit for the ODI and Test series. On the other hand, Gill, who has been featuring in all the assignments this year so far, is expected to be given a break from the T20I series.
A source close to the developments told PTI, “Shubman Gill will be rested for the T20Is against the visiting Bangladesh. The matches will be played on October 7 (Gwalior), 10 (Delhi) and 13 (Hyderabad), and the first Test against the Kiwis starts on October 16. So there is a gap of just three days between the T20I series and the opening game against New Zealand. So, it is important to rest Gill.”
Mohammed Siraj to be excluded from T20I squad for Bangladesh series
Reports have also added that Mohammed Siraj could also be excluded from the side for the upcoming T20I series due to his recent performances. It is to be noted that Siraj, who was a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, took a solitary wicket in the USA and Caribbean and had a mediocre IPL 2024 season.
In the 14 matches he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024, Siraj finished with only 15 wickets at an average of 33.06 and an economy of 9.18. Seeing his underperformance from last couple of months, the BCCI aims to give an ideal opportunity to the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan.
