In what could turn out to be a severe blow to India’s chances of winning the ODI series, ace medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been declared doubtful for the series-deciding third ODI at Headingley.
Kumar, who is yet to play a part in the ODI series, is nursing a back injury suffered during the 2nd T20I at Cardiff. Since then, Kumar has already missed one T20I and two ODIs in England and his participation in the final ODI seems an unlikely event as the Indian Team management doesn’t want to risk the pacer before the five-match Test series.
Kumar will undergo a fitness test before the third ODI like he did in the 2nd ODI at Lord’s. While it is not clear whether Kumar failed that particular test or it was a precautionary measure by the Indian Team Management, Kumar’s fitness has become a concern for India.
“Bhuvi will undergo a fitness test before 3rd ODI. We don't want to jeopardise his availability for Test series,” said India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar ahead of the final ODI at Headingley.
However, Kumar was seen bowling in the nets without much discomfort on the eve of the final ODI, indicating that his injury is not that serious and if he doesn’t make it to the playing XI on Tuesday, it may well be a case of not wanting to risk their premiere pacer before the Test series starting on August 1.
“With only 16-17 games to go before the World Cup, we want to try our bench strength. Bhuvi and Bumrah are very crucial to our plans in all forms of the game. We are missing our frontline bowlers in the ODIs, we don’t want that situation in the Test series,” Bangar added.
Bumrah was ruled out of the limited-overs leg of the England tour with a fractured thumb sustained in the 2nd T20I against Ireland last month.
The absence of Kumar and Bumrah have cost India dearly, particularly in the death overs with Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul failing to keep a lid on the batsmen. India leaked 96 runs in the last overs even though half of England’s batting was already back in the hut.