Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has predicted that Jasprit Bumrah will take at least two five-wicket hauls in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Bumrah was rested in the series against West Indies and made his return in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, in which he could only take a solitary wicket in two Test matches.
However, it is well known that Bumrah is lethal in all kinds of conditions and he would be looking to make a mark in the Test series against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the Mohali Test match will be Virat Kohli’s 100th Test whereas it will be the maiden Test assignment as captain for Rohit Sharma. Bumrah had recently stated that a win will be a perfect gift for Virat Kohli in his 100th Test match.
Consequently, Bumrah will look to deliver the goods against a depleted Sri Lankan team. Bumrah had scalped 12 wickets in three Test matches against South Africa and had a decent series against the Proteas.
Bumrah has thus far snared 113 wickets in 27 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.86.
“Don’t be surprised if you see at least two five-wicket hauls from Jasprit Bumrah in these two Test matches. Any kind of conditions, he will get you wickets at the start, he will get you wickets anytime. So I don’t think it makes a difference,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
“Not a lot of bowlers, fast bowlers in particular, unless they are injured, like to be kept away because the careers are short for the fast bowlers, batters can play till 35-40, there are very few fast bowlers who go beyond 34-35,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s pack leader in the last couple of years and he would look to deliver the goods. Furthermore, Mohammed Shami will also return to the action after being rested for the series against West Indies and the T20I series against Sri Lanka. India is also expected to play Mohammed Siraj, who has impressed with his skills.
The home side will look to come up with a collective effort against Sri Lanka in the first Test match, which will be played in Mohali from Friday.
