Virat Kohli explains Jasprit Bumrah's leave ahead of final Test match against England

Jasprit Bumrah's request for leave owing to ‘personal reasons’ came as a big surprise to the viewers of the game. Considering he was playing his debut home series in the longest format, the shocker of a request got amplified over social media, given India’s top-ranked pacer was allowed to bowl just six overs in the pink-ball Test.

Post India’s 10-wicket victory in the day-night game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India in a release stated that Bumrah was not going to be a part of the fourth Test match squad.

"Jasprit Bumrah made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the fourth Test owing to personal reasons. Accordingly, the fast bowler has been released and he will not be available for selection for the fourth Test," BCCI wrote.

Clearing the air around the situation, Virat Kohli in a chat with the official broadcaster shed some light on the lead up to the decision and stated how Bumrah mentioned his workload management in the third Test.

“Bumrah said I'm getting workload management while playing the game and Ishi said 'I'm playing my hundredth game and not getting a bowl’,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. 

In comparison to Indian spinners’ 68 overs the duo of Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah bowled a combined total of 11 overs in the game. Notably, the pacers were not given a single over in the second innings as the spinners feasted on the English batting line-up who were bundled out for a meagre 81, their lowest score against India. Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel bowled 15 overs each (2nd innings) while Washington Sundar was lucky to bowl four deliveries in the entire game.

“Eventually, he (Washington Sundar) was happy that he got three balls in the whole game. He didn't get any with the bat also - poor guy. Bizarre game - I've never been part of a Test match where things have moved so quickly,” Kohli added.

India are set to take on England for one last scheduled Test match from 4-8 March to be hosted at the refurbished Motera stadium in Ahmedabad which is expected to be played on another square turner. Reports have suggested that Bumrah was granted leave keeping the packed upcoming schedule in mind, where the players are scheduled to play in the IPL, T20 World Cup, England away series and potentially the ICC Test Championship Final.

Either among Mohammad Shami or Umesh Yadav are expected to take Bumrah's place for the final Test match.