Dinesh Karthik Recommends Resting Jasprit Bumrah for Final Test Against New Zealand

 India’s rare Test series defeat at home to New Zealand, former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has advised resting star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the third and final Test. Karthik suggests that Bumrah, who has taken just three wickets at an economy rate of 3.09, could benefit from a break, proposing Mohammed Siraj as his replacement. The final Test is set for November 1 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, offering India a chance to avoid a series sweep after losses in Bengaluru and Pune.

“Jasprit Bumrah definitely needs a rest, without a doubt,” Karthik told Cricbuzz, voicing his preference for Siraj’s energy and potential impact on the pitch. He emphasized that aside from this swap, continuity in the lineup could be beneficial unless a player has a minor injury.

The defeat has put India’s impeccable home record—18 consecutive series wins since 2013—in jeopardy, leaving fans and experts, including Karthik, to reconsider the lineup’s readiness for future challenges. Karthik admitted the disappointment is still fresh, which adds pressure to India’s selection decisions ahead of the series finale.

With a challenging Border-Gavaskar series against Australia beginning November 22, Karthik’s suggestion is also rooted in player preservation. Resting Bumrah, who is integral to India’s plans for the Australian series, could ensure he is fresh and fit. In the meantime, Siraj’s return would allow him to gain crucial match time after missing the Pune Test.