After the conclusion of the second Test match between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that the workload of talismanic seamer Jasprit Bumrah would be monitored. After losing the first Test in Bengaluru last week, India will try to even the series after three matches. The much-awaited second Test starts on Thursday, October 24.
Following the third Test match against New Zealand, India travels to Australia to play the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series after playing a four-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa. India is probably going to rest the players who are flying to Australia for the South Africa series.
Between the third Test match against New Zealand and the tour of Australia, Gambhir believes that his fast bowlers will have enough time to rest and recuperate. After the second Test, Bumrah’s workload will be evaluated, the former India opener stated.
“We still have ten or twelve days left before the Test in Australia begins when the series is completed. Even for our quick bowlers, that is sufficient rest. However, we will continue to keep an eye on Jasprit Bumrah’s whereabouts following this Test match,” Gambhir stated during the pregame press conference.
But Jasprit Bumrah isn’t the only one involved. It also has to do with all the fast bowlers. We wish to maintain their freshness. We are aware that we have a lengthy and significant tour in Australia, Gambhir continued.
The results of the second test will undoubtedly determine workload management: Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir said that since India is behind after losing by eight wickets in the first match, the outcome of the second Test will determine how the workload is managed.
“Workload management will definitely depend on what the outcome of this Test match is and how much have they bowled in this match,” said Gambhir.
In the first Test, Bumrah wasn’t playing at his best. In the first innings, he bowled 19 overs and claimed just one wicket. Despite the chaos generated by Tim Southee, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway, he managed to keep things quite tight.
Also Read: IND vs NZ 2024: Ryan Ten Doeschate gives update on Rishabh Pant’s injury status ahead of 2nd Test
Bumrah made life difficult for the New Zealand batsmen with his swing and seam movement in the second innings, taking two wickets with the new ball.