Pune: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has provided a major update on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management ahead of the second Test between India and New Zealand starting in Pune on Thursday, October 24. Gambhir spoke to the press ahead of the crucial Test, which Team India needs to win to stay in the series.
Bumrah has featured in all three Tests at home this season and taking into account the rigours of the upcoming Australia tour, India might rest the ace pacer after the second Test.
“Once the series is over, we still have around 10 or 12 days before the (first) Test starts in Australia. That is enough break for our fast bowlers as well. But we will still monitor after this Test match where Jasprit Bumrah is,” Gambhir said in the press conference.
Gambhir also said that the team management will monitor the fitness and workload of not only Bumrah but all the fast bowlers in the squad.
He also added that the outcome of the must-win second Test in Pune will be taken into consideration of the workload management of the pacers in the squad.
“No injury concerns” for Pant
The India head coach also revealed that Rishabh Pant has “no injury concerns” and is set to keep wickets in Pune.
Pant injured his right knee on the second day of the opening Test in Bengaluru and was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. However, the wicket-keeper batter returned to score a brisk 99 in the second innings but did not keep wickets.
Pant was seen batting in the nets and going through keeping drills with Gambhir on Tuesday.
“I think he’s going to keep wickets tomorrow. (There are) no other fitness concerns,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gambhir also confirmed that Shubman Gill, who missed the Bengaluru Test due to stiffness in his neck, will return to the No. 3 batter after attaining full match fitness.
Gambhir also backed his team to bounce back after a shocking defeat in the opening Test and underlined his coaching philosophy of emphasising winning even against all odds.
IND vs NZ: Gautam Gambhir said that the team management will monitor the fitness and workload of not only Jasprit Bumrah but all the fast bowlers in the squad. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
