In what could be viewed as a strategic move to ensure optimal performance in the upcoming ODI World Cup, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been granted a short break by the team management. Bumrah did not accompany the Indian cricket team to Indore for the 2nd ODI against Australia. Instead, he has chosen to spend valuable time with his family.
Notably, India are playing three ODIs in a span of six days in the ongoing series with less than 48 hours time between the end of the first match in Mohali and the start of the second in Indore. With this in mind, speedster Bumrah, who will be the team's pace spearhead, come the World Cup 2023, is not being burdended with too much of a work load.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the reason for Bumrah's absence in the ongoing ODI series against Australia and the pacer who has joined the team as his replacement. In Bumrah's absence, fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has been called up as his replacement for the 2nd ODI. Kumar, however, did not find a place in the Playing 11 with Prasidh Krishna finding a place in the side in place of Bumrah.
The BCCI has confirmed that Bumrah will rejoin the Indian squad ahead of the final ODI in Rajkot. The right-arm pacer who was out for nearly a year and made a comeback last month will be pivotal to the team's chances in the marquee event.
"Mr Jasprit Bumrah did not travel with the team to Indore for the 2nd ODI against Australia. He has gone to visit his family and given a short break by the team management. Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has joined the team as Bumrah's replacement for the 2nd ODI. Bumrah will join the team for the final ODI in Rajkot," a post on X (formerly Twitter) from the official handle of BCCI read.
Talking about the match, Australia have won the toss and elected to bowl first as they look to level the series. India are 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.