Resting Bumrah: Rather now, than in Dharamsala

Mukesh Kumar is likely to partner Siraj, unless India prefer Akash Deep's extra pace, or even go with 4 spinners in Ranchi

- Somshuvra Laha

There had to come a time in this series when India would have been forced to rest Jasprit Bumrah. That it has arrived when the hosts are ahead 2-1-partly due to the batting coming good but more because Bumrah was being Bumrah on uninspiring pitchesmust evoke a quiet sense of satisfaction. He deserves the rest.

At the same time, it can't be impressed enough how bare India look without Bumrah. When Virat Kohli pulled out of the tour, focus shifted on KL Rahul. When he got injured, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal came under the spotlight. So, who is good enough to step into Bumrah's shoes?

The question itself borders on outrage considering this is Bumrah, who has taken 17 wickets at an unheard of average of 13.64, with an economy of 2.87 in a series where even R Ashwin has gone for 4.11. Despite his tenacity, Mohammed Siraj can blow hot and cold at times. Mukesh Kumar wields more control, and can reverse the older ball, but isn't express and tends to go into a shell when batters go after him. Having taken a 10-for to bowl Bengal to victory in the last Ranji Trophy game should boost his confidence.

Akash Deep, India's latest uncapped call-up, has even less first-class experience than Kumar. Still, it makes sense to risk resting Bumrah in Ranchi, where the pitch has traditionally played slow and assisted spin early, than not playing him in Dharamsala where the ball is expected to zip around a bit. India are willing to deal with its consequences.