Bhuvi, Bumrah likely to be rested for Tri-Nation T20 series
The national selection committee, headed by MSK Prasad, will decide the Indian squad that will tour Sri Lanka for Tri-Nation T20 series in March. The committee is expected to discuss the workload of fast bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, when they meet this weekend. The two speedsters are likely to be rested for the tournament. Here are the details.
Tournament schedule
The Tri-Nation T20 series, the Nidahas Trophy, will see the participation of India, Bangladesh and hosts Sri Lanka and will played from March 6 to March 18.
Standout performers in SA tour
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been brilliant with their performances in India's tour of South Africa. Having bowled 100 overs in Test and ODI series, Bhuvneshwar will have bowled 112 overs if he completes his quota in T20Is. Bumrah, who has played all the matches so far, will have bowled more than 166 overs if he completes his quota of overs in T20Is.
Choice to take rest lies with Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the three players, apart from Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, to have played all the matches in the SA tour so far. With respect to giving rest to Kohli, a BCCI official said, "If Virat wants rest, he will get it...it's Virat's decision whether to play or opt out for the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 series.'
Long season ahead
After the Tri-series event in Sri Lanka, Indian players have a taxing season of cricket ahead including IPL, and 63 international games. Kerala's yorker specialist, Basil Thampi might make a comeback to the Indian side in the absence of either or both bowlers. If Bumrah and Bhuvi are rested, Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat are expected to take the responsibility of the new ball.
