Team India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi. The highly anticipated IND vs ENG Ranchi Test is scheduled to kickstart on Friday (February 23), with hosts India holding a 2-1 lead in five-match Test series. Given Bumrah’s pivotal role in the national team across formats, the team management opted to rest the star pacer, likely as part of a strategy for players’ workload management. Similarly, Mohammed Siraj was granted rest during the second Test in Vizag. He rejoined the squad in Rajkot for third Test.

The fifth and final test match between India and England is scheduled to take place in Dharamshala, where the pitch is known to offer assistance to fast bowlers. The Indian team management reportedly considered resting Jasprit Bumrah for Ranchi Test, possibly to ensure his availability and freshness for Dharamshala (5th Test) encounter.

Bumrah’s absence poses a significant challenge for the hosts, given his recent outstanding form. As preparations intensify, speculation surrounds potential replacements for Bumrah in the upcoming IND vs ENG Ranchi Test. The 30-year-old currently leads the bowling charts in IND vs ENG Test series, having claimed 17 wickets with an impressive average of 13.64. 

Let’s have a look at the bowlers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in India playing 11 for IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi

For IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi, the Indian team management could potentially consider either Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep as a replacement for Bumrah. Both Mukesh and Akash have the potential to contribute effectively to India’s pace attack. 

Akash Deep: Reports indicate that on Tuesday, only Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep were observed as pacers accompanying the Indian team at Ranchi Airport. It looks like the uncapped pacer is all set for a debut in Ranchi Test. Akash Deep was named as replacement for Avesh Khan in the final three Tests of IND vs ENG Test series.  

Mukesh Kumar: In Mohammed Siraj’s absence, Mukesh Kumar was included in India playing 11 for second Test in Vizag. However, he only managed to secure one wicket, that of tail-ender Shoaib Bashir. With Siraj returning for the third Test in Ranchi, Mukesh was released from India squad prior to the fixture so that he could take part in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy game against Bihar.

On his return to the domestic circuit, the pacer bagged 10 wickets for Bihar with figures of 4/18 and 6/32. Considering his impressive display, Mukesh may well earn another opportunity to represent India in upcoming IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi.