IND vs ENG: Who will replace Jasprit Bumrah in Ranchi Test?

India secured a gigantic victory over England in Rajkot to propel ahead in the five-match Test series.

A comprehensive win in the 3rd Test means India now lead 2-1 in the series and will be aiming to wrap things up in the next Test, which starts from February 23 in Ranchi.

Amid the temptation of glory in the upcoming match, there are speculations of Jasprit Bumrah not playing in Ranchi as BCCI is likely to give him a rest ahead of the next match. The Indian pacer has been phenomenal so far in this series and has 17 wickets already, but there are reports that the speedster may be given a breather in the next match.

Bumrah is coming on the back of a long-term back injury and the selectors and the team management don't want to stress his back too much ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup in June. There is also a long season of IPL set to come up and risking the pacer with repeated stress on his back can be a huge risk. The team management is reportedly decided to give him a rest in the next match which means the vice-captain will have to be replaced by one of the other pacers.

With Mohammed Siraj already playing as the other pacer, there are two options for Rahul Dravid and his staff to pick if they are to replace Bumrah.

Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar is a viable option. The Bengal pacer has already played a match where he picked up one wicket. During the 3rd Test, Mukesh went back to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and picked up 10 wickets in their match against Bihar. The rich vein of form may edge him towards making a comeback in the Ranchi Test.

Akash Deep Singh

Akash Deep Singh has been called up for the final three Test matches. The Bengal pacer is yet to put on India colours but he may well be given a chance in the Ranchi Test. The 27-year-old has been a serial performer for Bengal in the domestic circuit and may get the reward for that in the upcoming match.